RALEIGH, N.C. — The Elon volleyball team bounced back from a straight-set loss against Colgate on Friday morning to post a strong effort against Tennessee in the afternoon, but the Phoenix ultimately came up short, falling 3-1 to conclude its first day at the NC State Tournament.
With both losses, Elon is 1-4 on the season.
Colgate 3, Elon 0 (25-16, 25-20, 25-22)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- With the score tied at 11, Colgate went on a 14-5 run to seize a 25-16 win in the first set.
- Elon again battled the Raiders to an 11-all tie in the second set before three consecutive attack errors gave Colgate the lead for good. The Phoenix got as close as 16-15 the rest of the way, but the Raiders claimed four of the next five points to give themselves the breathing room that they needed in a 25-20 victory.
- After another back-and-forth start to the third set, Colgate went on a 5-1 run to go up 18-14. Elon rallied to win five of the next seven points, twice pulling within one. But that's as close at the Phoenix got as Colgate came away with a 25-22 win.
NOTES
Tennessee 3, Elon 1 (23-25, 26-24, 25-22, 25-9)
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Tennessee controlled the start of the first set, pushing its lead to as many as five points. But the Phoenix gradually chipped away at it, and after the Volunteers went ahead 21-18, Elon won seven of the next nine points to notch a stunning 25-23 victory.
- Looking to rebound, the Volunteers got off to another hot start in the second set, twice extending their lead to eight. The Phoenix fought back, winning 15 of 18 points at point to go up 22-20, but Tennessee went on a 6-2 run to even the match at one set apiece.
- Tied at 14 halfway through the third set, the Volunteers went on a 4-1 run to go ahead 18-15. Once again, Elon rallied, winning four straight points and seven of the next 10 to seize a 22-21 lead. But just when it looked like the Phoenix might pull away, Tennessee reeled off four straight points to notch the 25-22 win.
- The Volunteers led the fourth and final set wire to wire, ending the match on a 12-2 run.
NOTES
- Love finished with a team-high 15.5 points (13 kills and five block assists), one shy of her career high set against William & Mary on Oct. 31, 2021. Her 13 kills were a season high and the third most of her career, while her five total blocks were a career high.
- Daniel's 10 kills were the second most on the team. Jenn Krzeminski followed her with eight, matching her season high.
- Clark notched season highs in assists (27) and digs (12). She and Doyle also had two aces.
- Gower once again led the Phoenix in digs with 19.
FROM COACH MARY TENDLER
"Each team today brought much different challenges, which is good because it helps prepare us for things we see in CAA play. We put larger stretches of good execution together in the second match where we blocked and served really well. We look forward to playing the host team tomorrow."
UP NEXT
- Elon will face tournament host NC State at 2 p.m. Saturday.
-- ELON --
