* - Note: There is an issue with the stats from today's match that is currently being worked on.
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Fullerton, Calif. – The Fordham volleyball team kicked off its season and the Titan Classic on Friday afternoon, but suffered a three-set defeat to New Mexico, 13-25, 15-25, 15-25. With the result, the Rams move to 0-1 and the Lobos to 1-0.
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"Definitely a learning moment for us." Head coach
Ian Choi said, "Historically we've peak early in the season, so I'm not concerned. The team is motivated to double down on our efforts and I know we will bounce back."
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The Fordham attack steadily grew into the match but New Mexico was more efficient in the match, hitting .321 as a group compared to the Rams' .049. Fordham added three total blocks and two aces on the afternoon.
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Reigning Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year
Whitley Moody led the way with seven kills, followed by senior
Bella Ureña's six. Junior
Aria De La Rosa posted a pair of kills, while the quartet of
Megan Brzozowski,
Claire O'Neil,
Chloe Pejouan, and
Makaela Tanaka each had one apiece. Brzozowski, with 11, and Tanaka, with four, set up the attack, with the latter and Moody each notching one ace. Brzozowski had an emphatic solo block while the pair of Pejouan and
Joey Landeros each had two block assists. Lipski tallied 10 digs and seven others combined for the remaining 22.
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Freshmen
Megan Kinney and
Ryan Naumann made their Fordham debuts in the match, the former notching three digs and the latter with two digs and an assist.
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The Rams will begin play on Saturday at 1 p.m. ET against UC Riverside before wrapping up the weekend with the host Titans at 7 p.m. ET. The latter match will be streamed on ESPN+.
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