Towson, MD — For the first time in program history, Elon University’s volleyball team has advanced to the Colonial Athletic Association championship game. The Phoenix defeated the Hofstra University Pride on Nov. 19 in four sets.
“They continue to make history,” Head Coach Mary Tendler said. “That was a really hard battle. That was a really good win for us against a really good team.”
Elon got off to a hot start, winning the first two sets 25-18 and 25-23. After taking a 10-4 lead in the third set, Hofstra battled back, winning it 25-20 to force a fourth set.
Though Hofstra entered the fourth set with momentum, the Phoenix slammed the door on the Pride, winning the fourth set 25-19 to win the match.
After a shaky start, senior outside Leah Daniel finished the match with a team-high 15 kills. Tendler said her court vision was crucial to the team’s victory.
“When she gets going, she’s really hard to stop,” Tendler said.
Senior setter Haylie Clark posted a double-double with 41 assists and 17 digs, and freshman defensive specialist Caroline Doyle had a career-high 14 digs.
Tonight's game was Elon’s third consecutive match against Hofstra, as the Phoenix’s final two regular season contests were against the Pride, as well. Elon has won nine of the 10 sets the teams played this season.
Elon will face host and defending CAA champion Towson University tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. The winner will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament.