Press Release Written by Assistant Athletic Director Erin Harvey
WALTHAM, Mass. - - After dropping the opening match of the final day of the Hoffman Memorial Invitational, 3-0 to host Bentley University, the Wilmington University volleyball team earned their first win of the season with a 3-0 sweep over Mercy College on Saturday.
Set scores for the match against Bentley were 12-25, 15-25, and 18-25.
Set scores for the match against Mercy were 25-20, 25-23, and 25-20.
The Wildcats (1-3) struggled out of the gate against the host Falcons, and were outhit by a .320 to .145 margin. Seven service errors didn't help the cause, but the squad showed promise defensively at the net, recording five total blocks.
Leading the way was sophomore Jill Braunsberg, as she recorded seven kills on 20 swings for a .350 hitting percentage while also dishing out nine assists and 12 digs. Classmate Rebecca Rawlinson added five kills on 10 swings with three block assists, and junior Brittany Ford notched six kills and 9 digs. Junior setter Miranda Shaw added 16 assists and seven digs, while senior libero Jenna Brown paced the defense with a team-high 15 digs.
Wilmington served their way to their first win of the season against Mercy, as the Wildcats picked up 12 aces as a team. The stats between the two teams were even, as the 'Cats hit .171 to the Mavericks' .151. Digs were 57-55 in favor of the green and white while both squads each picked up six block assists.
Sophomore Emma Kongevold had the hot hand in the nightcap, connecting on nine kills for a .300 hitting percentage. Braunsberg added a match-high 17 assists to go along with 13 digs and seven kills, while Shaw dished out 11 helpers of her own. Freshman Genny Hughes and senior Deja Stanek each added six kills, while Brown once again led the defense with a match-high 21 digs. Sophomore Addalyn Flores ran off four service aces while pitching with five digs defensively.
Braunsberg was named to the Hoffman Memorial Invitational All-Tournament Team for her effort this weekend.
The Wildcats return to action next Friday when they host the eight-team Wildcat Regional Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Wilmington is set to square off against Merrimack and American International on day one of action. First serve is slated for 1 PM, with the second match to begin at approximately 5 PM.
AGATE:
Hoffman Memorial Invitational All-Tournament Team
Katrina Janssen, Caldwell – MVP
Taryn Auyong, Caldwell
Shannon Kelly, Bentley
Kaitlyn Patridge, Mercy
Jessica Dillon, SNHU
Jill Braunsberg, Wilmington