Hartford Volleyball Falls Short to Wentworth Institute of Technology in CNE Match-Up
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Hartford Volleyball Team dropped to 2-2 in CNE play after falling to Wentworth Institute of Technology 3-0 (25-22, 25-12, 26-24).
Rapid Recap
- The Leopards jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead. The Hawks countered with a 6-1 run on kills from Freshman Calla McCombs (Bloomfield, N.Y.) and Junior Rylee Miller (Sunriver, Ore.) to even the set 7-7. The teams exchanged points, sitting at a 13-13 deadlock midway through the first set. An ace from McCombs and multiple kills from Freshman Amara Rhodes (Merced, Calif.) helped the Hawks remain even with the Leopards throughout the set. The Leopards eventually pulled away and won set one 25-22.
- The Hawks opened the set with two kills from Sophomore Lauren Johnson (Fort Collins, Colo.), knotting the teams at two. The Leopards broke the tie and raced to a 7-3 lead. Hartford answered with kills from McCombs to cut the deficit to 8-6. Wentworth responded with a 9-3 run to take a 17-9 lead. The Leopards continued to dominate the set, topping the Hawks 25-12 in set two.
- The third set saw an early ace from McCombs and a kill from Senior Jordan Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.) as the Leopards led 7-5. Wentworth followed by taking a 12-7 lead. The Hawks responded with a five-point run on a kill from Johnson and two aces from McCombs to tie the game at twelve. The teams went back and forth for the remainder of the set, leading to a 21-20 Leopards lead late in the set. Kills from Miller and Johnson helped the Hawks stay alive, knotting the third set at 24 a piece. The Hawks' late-game efforts fell short, dropping the set 26-24 and the match 3-0.
Inside the Numbers
- McCombs led the Hawks with 10 kills alongside five aces. Miller added nine kills and tallied six digs.
- Rhodes led the passing effort with 25 assists while also registering four kills.
- Johnson added five kills on a .400 hitting percentage.
- Kate McLane led the Leopards with 15 kills.
- The Leopards won the kill battle 42-33. The teams each had seven aces, while Wentworth had 37 assists to Hartford's 28.
Post Game Press
"Tonight was frustrating. We have proven that we belong! But we can't be happy with simply showing up", said head coach Johan Dulfer. "Somewhere deep down inside of us, there has to be the competitive fire that burns so brightly it can't help but light up the darkest night. When we find a way to light that fire, fasten your seatbelts. Hartford Volleyball is here to stay!"
Up Next
The Hawks will head to Roger Williams University on Saturday, October 10, at 1 pm for a CNE match-up.
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