The Elon University volleyball team knocked off North Carolina A&T State University on the road Tuesday, Oct. 8, finishing its five game road streak with a 3-2 record.
The Phoenix dominated the first two sets before using a late run to best the Aggies is the third set.
Elon grabbed a 10-5 lead in the first set with a service ace by senior right-side hitter Cali Estes. The Phoenix continued to pile on the points, and a kill by junior middle blocker Kris Harris gave Elon an 18-7 advantage after an A&T timeout. Freshman middle blocker Ally Karle scored the final two points in the set for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix managed to get an even better start in the second set, firing off to an 18-4 lead. During the run, senior defensive specialist Maggie Reichard had two service aces and junior outside hitter Chanelle Smith added three points. An attack error by Aggies’ sophomore outside hitter Te’Borah Hawkins ended a set that was all-Elon from start to finish.
In the third set, Elon went up 12-9 after a service ace by sophomore setter Ana Nicksic. The Aggies kept it close with a kill by freshman middle blocker Jillian Nobles, reducing the deficit to 20-16. The Phoenix went on a 5-1 run to end the game with four straight errors by A&T helping them complete the sweep.
Smith led Elon with nine kills and added three blocks. Harris posted six kills and six blocks. Nicksic had 15 assists and a service ace.
For the Aggies, sophomore right-side hitter Aleena McDaniel had eight kills on the night. Freshman setter Liz Martino put up 17 assists and a service ace. Sophomore outside hitter Brooke Stamnes had eight digs.
Elon makes their return to Alumni Gym on Friday, Oct. 11 facing conference foe The Citadel at 7:00 p.m. It’s the first conference home game of the season for the Phoenix.