NEW YORK – Backed by a pair of double-digit attackers, the Fordham University Volleyball team picked up right where they left off a week ago, capturing a straight-set victory over Columbia to improve to 4-0 on the season.
Whitley Moody would tally a 10-kill, four-dig performance alongside 10 hammers from Audrey Brown. Also contributing to the attack were eight kills apiece from Nailah Jenkins and Lauryn Sweeney, who also added five digs. Whitney Woodrow would hand out 31 assists to go with seven digs, while Mallory Lipski led the teams' receptions as she collected 16. Despite just topping Columbia as a collective, the Fordham offense slammed 41 kills for a .283 hitting percentage, and held the Lions to .222, and finished with a .932 serving percentage compared to just .809 by the hosts.
"A win is a win. Columbia found some soft spots in our discipline, but there were some character moments in that match that I'm so very proud of," said Head Coach Ian Choi. "They reflected in the trust they hold in themselves, in each other, and in the coaches. Nine times out of ten when our team has that conviction we come out on top."
Fordham would never concede more than a tie score for the duration of the opening frame, rattling off seven of the first 10 points to start. Following an early timeout by the home side, the Rams would see Columbia bounce back at 12-and-13-all, but maintain traction from there and drive away to the set one victory, 25-22.
In the second, it would be Columbia gaining the upper hand early on, opening a six-point advantage at 8-2 before a furious rally from the Rams saw them erase that deficit with a 10-4 run to draw level at 12. After tying once more, Fordham would once again take control, breaking out to a six-point lead of their own before taking the frame by four.
In the third sector the visitors would maintain their pace out front, going up 10-3 to start and pushing at one point a 13-5 lead, the biggest for either side on the night. The Rams would hold off Columbia's best efforts at a rally late, as the Lions tied at 23 before back-to-back kills by Brown and Jenkins secured the victory.
Fordham Volleyball is back in action tomorrow afternoon as they close the Big Apple Tournament against defending MAAC Champion Quinnipiac. First serve against the Bobcats is slated for 3:00 p.m. at Columbia.
