AMHERST, N.Y. — Daemen University (6-8, 2-1 ECC) defeated D'Youville University (4-9, 1-2 ECC) in four sets at Lumsden Gymnasium on Wednesday night, winning 25-13, 25-23, 15-25, 25-21.

Daemen started the match against D'Youville with a strong showing in the first set. The home team capitalized on early errors by their opponents, with Keira Mullen and Nicole Giardina contributing key kills. A service ace by Kate Trueblood furthered Daemen's momentum, pushing their lead to 7-5. 

Midway through the set, Daemen maintained their advantage through a series of attack errors by the Saints, extending the lead to 16-9. Payton Gaylor and Mullen combined for effective blocks, while Maddie Schamaun's assists facilitated multiple scoring opportunities, including a kill by Trueblood that widened the gap.

Daemen closed the first set decisively, with Gaylor landing the final kill to secure a 25-13 victory. Their consistent pressure and effective teamwork set the tone for the match, establishing a commanding lead early on.

The second set began with Daemen maintaining a strong presence on the court, capitalizing on an early run that opened with a kill by Mullen, assisted by Jarielys Giraud. This was followed by a service ace from Nahirka Malpica, setting the tone for Daemen's assertive start, as they quickly advanced to a 3-0 lead. Despite a few response points from DYU, Daemen continued to build momentum with Mullen and Gaylor contributing key kills, allowing Daemen to hold a steady lead at 11-8.

As the set progressed, Daemen experienced a brief challenge as DYU rallied to tie the score at 14. However, Daemen regained control with Schamaun serving an ace and a crucial block by Gaylor, pushing the home team's lead to 17-14. In the final stretch, Daemen maintained their composure, with Mullen and Malpica each delivering critical kills to stave off DYU's attempts to close the gap. Mullen sealed the set with a decisive kill, finalizing the score at 25-23 in favor of Daemen.

Daemen entered the third set looking to close the gap after the Saints' steady scoring. Mullen initiated the attack with a kill assisted by Avery Dole, but DYU quickly countered, capitalizing on Daemen's errors to take an early 4-1 lead. Despite a few responses from Giardina and Malpica, the Saints maintained control with timely blocks and kills, pushing the score to 9-5.

As the set progressed, Daemen found some rhythm with kills from Mullen and Gaylor, narrowing the deficit slightly. However, the Saints' consistent play, highlighted by Cameron Ulinski's kills and a service ace, extended their lead to 20-12. Daemen managed to force a few errors from DYU, but the visitors closed the set strong, with Anna Chechelnytska and Alina Bertens Deckart contributing crucial points to secure a 25-15 win in the third set.

The fourth set opened with Daemen establishing momentum through timely blocks by Trueblood and Gaylor, leading to a series of attack errors by DYU's Ulinski. This defensive stand was crucial in propelling Daemen to an early lead.

As the set progressed, Mullen and Malpica effectively combined with Dole to drive the offense, with Mullen delivering several key kills. Daemen maintained their advantage despite the Saints' attempts to close the gap, with strong defensive plays from Molly Ryan and Sole Rancy halting the visitors' advances.

Closing the set, Daemen secured the victory through a service ace by Malpica and a decisive kill from Gaylor, concluding the set at 25-21. This win marked a strong finish for Daemen, holding off the Saints' late push to seal the match.

Daemen Top Performers  

Nahirka Malpica  
----------------------  
- 11 kills on 26 attempts with a .308 hitting percentage  
- 15 digs  
- two service aces  
- 13 points total  

Keira Mullen  
----------------------  
- 17 kills on 34 attempts with a .235 hitting percentage  
- two block assists  
- 18 points total  

Payton Gaylor  
----------------------  
- nine kills  
- five digs  
- four total blocks (two solo)  
- 12 points total  

Cameron Ulinski led DYU with 18.0 points, contributing 13 kills, three service aces, and two solo blocks across four sets. Alina Bertens Deckart was pivotal in playmaking, delivering 31 assists while also recording eight digs. Angelyn Jaramillo anchored the defensive effort with 17 digs, showcasing her reliability on the back line. Giselle Ramirez added versatility to the lineup with six kills and two solo blocks, accumulating eight points in four sets.

Daemen returns to action this Saturday, Oct. 4 when they welcome the American International Yellow Jackets for a 4 p.m. first serve, closing out their four-match homestand at Lumsden Gymnasium.