Volleyball Advances to #A10VB Semifinals with Five-Set Upset Win over Saint Louis

Championship Central | A-10 Photo Gallery

Pittsburgh, Pa. - The Fordham volleyball program had only ever had five postseason victories in its history, all in the early 1990's - until Friday evening at Duquesne when the Rams rallied furiously from an opening-set loss to win in five over Saint Louis, 14-25, 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 15-10. With the win, Fordham advances to play #2 VCU on Saturday at 4 p.m. and improves to 9-19 overall on the season. 

"Absolutely stoked for the team, program, and department." Head coach Ian Choi said, "Everyone is a part of this historic win. It was a long time coming for Fordham Volleyball and well deserved. I'm especially proud of the team's commitment to the game plan despite a tough first set. But it shows that our team has grit and trusts the process. Now it's time for milkshakes."

The Billikens had prevailed twice earlier this season, first in straight sets at home and then in a hard-fought thriller in five in the Bronx. Still, Fordham showed improvement each meeting against their rivals and on Friday in Pittsburgh, the Rams took it a step further, capping a ferocious rally for the program's biggest win in the Atlantic 10 era. 

Recently named Second Team All-Conference sophomore Whitley Moody led the way with 16 kills, adding 16 digs and two blocks for a double-double, while Bella Ureña kept her Fordham career going with a strong 15 kills at a team-high .256 clip, digging out 15 attacks and adding four blocks and an ace. The trio of Izzy Fichtel, Aria De La Rosa, and Claire O'Neil all contributed eight kills.

Junior libero Mallory Lipski was everywhere, racking up a career-high 35 digs, just seven short of the single-match record at Fordham, while Megan Brzozowski returned for 49 assists and 14 digs. Fichtel led the defense with five blocks, while freshman Ryan Naumann posted a season-high four aces. 

Tomorrow's semifinal begins at 4 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.