Philadelphia, Pa. – For just the second time in program history, the Fordham volleyball team has rattled off five consecutive Atlantic 10 victories. On Friday afternoon, the Rams enjoyed their second straight league sweep, this time at La Salle, downing the Explorers, 27-25, 25-20, 25-20, to improve to 5-1 overall and 5-0 in league action. La Salle falls to identical 4-1 records, respectively.
"It's easy to get caught up with being perfect when you're 4-0, so this was a new opportunity for us to remain present and mindful in competition and embrace this matchup as-is, keeping our respective records and a shot at being number one in the Atlantic 10 in our periphery instead of our focus." Head coach
Ian Choi said, "Aria stepped up from the bench and chipped in a few key blocks and kills in the moment. As always, the team made several strategic maneuvers and adjustments to leverage us an advantage. A well-deserved win for the squad."
The Rams took advantage of 24 errors in attack by the hosts, while hitting .183 themselves and posting a season-low 7.0 blocks. Fordham was led in attack by two-time defending A-10 Rookie of the Week
Whitley Moody, who had 11 kills and hit .312, and senior
McKenna Lahr, who finished with eight kills and two aces. Lahr capped the match off with two kills and a game-ending ace over the final four points.
Joey Landeros tallied six kills, hitting .308, while middle blockers
Aria De La Rosa and
Isabel Fichtel posted four kills apiece. Fichtel blocked another five attacks, one solo, while Moody and Lahr were next each with two assists.
Megan Brzozowski assisted on 27 attacks, adding nine digs, while
Mallory Lipski led all players with 21 digs.
Fordham has only had stretches of more than five wins on four other occasions in program history, most recently winning six straight in nonconference play back in 2009. The record is eight in 2005, also all in out-of-conference action.
The Rams remain in the City of Brotherly Love for a second match tomorrow at 2 p.m. That contest will be broadcast live on ESPN+. Fordham will celebrate its seniors on Wednesday, March 24, in the home finale against Rhode Island.
