WEST HARTFORD, CONN. Nichols College came into the nutmeg state on Tuesday evening for a Conference of New England match up. The University of Hartford Women's volleyball team defeated Nichols College 3-1 in a match that saw four sets (25-19) (25-21)(23-25)(25-13). The Hawks are now undefeated in conference play (2-0) and 7-6 overall.

Rapid Recap:

• Hartford got off to a hot start in set one, dominating play with an 8-1 run spearheaded by a pair of kills from freshman Tiffany Mendez (Bay Shore, NY) and sophomore Jordan Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.). Hartford's commanding lead continued throughout the first set as they would find themselves up 14-4. Nichols would go on a run of their own to bring it close as the score at the late stage of set one found itself 19-16. But a pair of kills from Jo. Murphy and a block by sophomore Jenna Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.) put set one to rest as the Hawks would take it 25-19.
• The Hawks kept their foot on the gas going into the second set as they would start the second set with a 11-4 run, prompted by a pair of kills and a service ace from Jo. Murphy. Nichols College came back with a 3-0 run putting them in reach 11-7, however Hartford would again keep the Bison at bay and extend their lead 18-12. Nichols College would brings thing within two points in the late stage of set two as the score would find itself at 23-21. Again it would be Hartford as a pair of attack errors from Nichols would lose them the second set as Hartford would maintain a 2-0 set lead as they won set two 25-21.
• It would be Nichols who would get the hot start in the third set, as they would take an early 8-4 lead. However, Hartford would bounce back, scoring five straight unanswered points with three of those coming by way of Mendez kills. Hartford would continue to widen their lead as they scored five more putting them ahead 15-10. Nichols would come back with a vengeance as they would score 11 straight points with no answer from Hartford. That momentum would carry Nichols through the end of set three, as they would seize set three 25-23.
• The Hawks wasted no time in what would be the final set as they would secure a 12-3 lead. A pair of kills from Mendez and some attack errors from Nichols would extend Hartford's lead 17-8. Hartford would continue to expand their lead and keep Nichols at bay 23-10. In the end it would be another kill from Jo. Murphy that set the match in stone as Hartford takes set four and the match 25-13.

Inside the Numbers:

• Liahnnah Orange lead the Hawks in assists with 23.
• Jo. Murphy finished with a team high 23 kills.
• Kylee Connally and Jo. Murphy both had a pair of service aces.
• Kalle Leggassey finished with 12 digs.

Post Match Press:
"It was a great win today, we played together as a team and I couldn't have asked for more", said sophomore Jordan Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.). "We wanted to bring energy and rely on each other to fight tonight. This win will build a lot of momentum for the rest of the conference schedule and we are ready for the next game."

Up Next:
The Hawks will hit the road as they continue conference play, in Wenham, MA, as they take on Gordon College on Oct. 9 at 6:00PM.

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