GREENSBORO, N.C. – A strong fifth set performance propelled the Elon University volleyball team to a win against North Carolina A&T in its CAA opener on Sept. 17. The Phoenix tallied 23 total blocks for its most in a match since 2015.  
 
With the victory, Elon improved to 3-7 and 1-0 in CAA play. The Aggies fell to 4-7 and 0-1 in the CAA.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• NC A&T jumped out to a 10-6 advantage in the opening set, but a 9-2 run helped the Phoenix take the lead. After the teams traded points throughout the late stages of the set, Elon took the final three points to win the frame, 25-22.
• The Aggies again got off to a quick start in the second set, taking an early 5-1 lead. However, the maroon and gold battled back to go ahead 12-11 after a Leah Daniel ace. Up 21-20, Elon again finished a set strong, as two kills by Brooke Doherty and another by Jenn Krzeminski helped the Phoenix win the last four points to take the set, 25-20.
• After Elon raced out to an 8-4 lead in the third, NC A&T mounted a 10-3 run to claim its first lead of the frame. The Aggies never led by less than two points the remainder of the set and won it 25-18.
• NC A&T kept its momentum going early in the fourth set, taking a 10-6 lead. Elon got back within one point midway through the set, but the Aggies took control late and won it 25-22 to force a final set.
• Down 5-4 in the final set, the Phoenix responded by winning five consecutive points, highlighted by kills from Clara LaRue and a block from Jenn Krzeminski and Haylie Clark to put Elon up 9-5. Two more blocks by the maroon and gold helped the team secure the set 15-8 to win the match.

 
NOTES

• Elon boasted an efficient offensive attack throughout the match, finishing with 50 kills. Leah Daniel led the team with 13 and by Jenn Krzeminski and Sydney Love both posted nine.
• Haylie Clark racked up 41 assists for her second 40-assist performance this season. Clark also had seven digs, three aces and a pair of blocks. 
• Jenn Krzeminski and Sydney Love both finished with eight total blocks to lead the team. Krzeminski has 21 blocks in the last three matches.
• Jordan Gower tallied team highs in digs (15) and aces (4). 
• Lily Emlong and Clara LaRue combined for seven kills, three of which came in the final set.
• The Phoenix posted its best hitting percentage of the season (.224).
• Elon's 23.0 total blocks are the most for the team in a match since at least 2006 and one of just two 20 blocks matches since that time (20.0 against Hofstra on Nov. 13, 2015).
• This was Elon's first victory in a fifth set this season.

 
FROM HEAD COACH MARY TENDLER
 
"I'm proud of our team for stealing a conference win on the road today. Both teams played really well. We needed a change at the end and our bench came through. Both Clara and Lily gave us the lift we needed. We look forward to watching the video and improving in some areas for tomorrow's match."
 
UP NEXT

• Elon concludes its opening weekend of CAA play tomorrow with another match against NC A&T at 2 p.m.
• The Phoenix returns to Schar Center for its first home CAA series against William & Mary next Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25. First serve in both matches is scheduled for 2 p.m.