BUFFALO, N.Y. — Daemen University (8-11, 4-2 ECC) secured a 3-1 victory over crosstown rival D'Youville University (5-13, 2-5 ECC) at Saints Center Gym on Wednesday, winning by scores of 31-33, 25-23, 25-20, 25-15. The Wildcats' attack was led by a .272 hitting percentage, with 57 kills and 12 total blocks. This win allows Daemen to maintain a firm grasp on third place in the East Coast Conference standings.
Freshman
Keira Mullen led the team with 20 kills on 41 attempts, achieving a hitting percentage of .390 and contributing 21.5 points.
Avery Dole posted 25 assists, 11 digs and a team-high four aces, while fellow setter
Maddie Schamaun notched 21 assists.
Nahirka Malpica recorded 15 digs while also adding nine kills and two service aces.
Payton Gaylor tallied 13 kills, achieving a .478 hitting percentage, and added four blocks.
Daemen opened the match with an advantage as DYU committed two early service errors, giving Daemen a narrow edge. Key defensive plays by
Kate Trueblood and Gaylor, including crucial blocks, contributed to Daemen's lead. However, the Saints rallied back, turning the tide with a series of kills by Madeline O'Brien and Cameron Ulinski, tying up the score and eventually surpassing Daemen. Despite a strong effort from Mullen and Gaylor, who both registered important kills, Daemen could not maintain the lead.
The first set was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging points late into the frame. Ultimately, DYU clinched the first set with a score of 33-31, leaving Daemen to regroup for the subsequent set. Notably, Daemen was returning to action after a 10-day hiatus between matches, looking to rebound from a 3-0 defeat at league-leading Mercy.
Daemen's pivotal surge in the second set came when Malpica and Solé Rancy combined for a block against Ulinski, leveling the score at 8-8. This defensive play propelled Daemen to take the lead, which they maintained through consistent offensive efforts. Mullen's service ace at 22-22 provided crucial momentum, setting up Gaylor for a kill that gave Daemen a 24-23 advantage. The set concluded with Daemen securing a 25-23 win after an attack error by Giselle Ramirez.
Daemen gained control in the third set with a series of scoring plays, highlighted by Mullen's consistent offense. She delivered several kills, including a key one at 7-7, keeping the score tight. As the set progressed, Malpica contributed significantly with a service ace, allowing Daemen to edge ahead 22-18. Dole also played a crucial role, with a kill and a service ace that helped extend the lead. Daemen's persistence paid off, closing the set 25-20.
Daemen opened the fourth set with a commanding start, quickly establishing a 4-0 lead through a combination of attack errors by Ulinski and kills from Mullen, assisted by Dole. Mullen continued to be a pivotal player, contributing multiple kills, as Daemen expanded their advantage to 7-1. The Saints attempted a brief comeback, narrowing the gap to 11-7, but Daemen responded with strong offensive plays, including critical kills from Rancy and Malpica.
Daemen maintained their momentum, with Gaylor and Malpica each delivering crucial points to sustain their lead. As the set progressed, Daemen effectively capitalized on DYU's errors and showcased their attacking efficiency. The set concluded with Daemen securing the match with a service ace by Dole, ending the game with a 25-15 victory in the fourth set.
O'Brien led the Saints with 19 points, recording 19 kills on 35 attempts for a .400 hitting percentage over four sets. Ramirez contributed significantly with a .579 hitting percentage, tallying 12 kills on 19 attempts. Ulinski was active defensively, securing 13 digs, and adding 11 kills, though her hitting percentage was negative. Alina Bertens Deckart was instrumental in setting, with 43 assists across four sets, supporting the team's offensive efforts.
Mullen has now reached double-figure kills in 12 matches this season, including 10 of the last 12 matches. Her 20 kills matched her season-high which she set in a five-set victory at St. Thomas Aquinas on Oct. 11.
Daemen improved to 13-2 all-time against D'Youville, sweeping the teams' two regular season meetings this year. The Wildcats also defeated the Saints in four sets back on Oct. 1 at Lumsden Gymnasium.
The Wildcats set their sights on anothe rivalry match as the Roberts Wesleyan Redhawks come to Lumsden Gymnasium next Wednesday, Oct. 29 with first serve slated for 6 p.m.
Daemen University features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.
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