The Elon University volleyball team fell to Towson University 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-19) on Friday. The Phoenix offense struggled to find a rhythm, scoring just 32 points across three sets.
Elon started the match slowly. The Tigers tied the score 7-7 before finishing the set on a 18-6 run, including an 8-0 run in the middle of the set, to down the Phoenix, 25-13.
Elon struggled in sets two and three in similar fashion. In the second set, the Phoenix was within three of the Tigers, 20-17. But an attack error by sophomore middle blocker Michelle Klein and a ball handling error by sophomore setter Sydel Curry increased the deficit to five. The Phoenix went on to lose the second set, 25-19. By the third set, Towson controlled the pace of the match — the Tigers led by as many as seven and won the set, 25-19.
The Phoenix trailed Towson in every statistical offensive category in the match. Elon failed to pick up an ace and were held to just one block on the night. Junior middle blocker Ally Karle led the Phoenix with 11 kills, and freshman outside hitter Kam Terry finished with eight kills. Curry finished with 26 assists, 11 digs and a block. Sophomore outside hitter Sydney Busa and freshman defensive specialist Maddie Jaudon each finished with 11 digs.
The loss drops Elon to 5-18 overall with a 1-8 record in Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play. Towson climbs to 20-4 overall with a 7-3 CAA record. Elon's next match is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24, when the Phoenix travels to Harrisonburg, Va., to take on James Madison University.