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Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team
Fearless, Integrity, Effort, Respect, Commitment, Excitement
Payton Gaylor readies for an attack
Geoff M Schneider
0
Roberts Wesleyan RWC 2-20,2-4 ECC
3
Winner Daemen Daemen 9-11,5-2 ECC
Roberts Wesleyan RWC
2-20,2-4 ECC
0
Final
3
Daemen Daemen
9-11,5-2 ECC
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 F
Roberts Wesleyan RWC 13 15 20 (0)
Daemen Daemen 25 25 25 (3)

Game Recap: Women's Volleyball |

Wildcats Make Short Work Of Redhawks

AMHERST, N.Y. — In a match that lasted just 71 minutes, the Daemen University women's volleyball team bested rival Roberts Wesleyan University in straight sets, 25-13, 25-15, 25-20, in East Coast Conference action Tuesday at Lumsden Gymnasium. It marked Daemen's 21st consecutive win in the series with RWU, a streak that dates back to 2015. It ranks as the Wildcats' longest active winning streak against any single opponent. 

The Wildcats showcased a strong performance with 43 kills and a .271 hitting percentage, while also recording 12 total blocks. The Redhawks were limited to a .043 hitting percentage, managing only 25 kills. Daemen's effective serving added six aces, contributing to their decisive victory.

Nahirka Malpica, the reigning ECC Defensive Player of the Week, recorded 15 digs and contributed eight kills. Solé Rancy provided a strong presence at the net, posting six total blocks while adding six kills with a .444 hitting percentage, providing strong presence at the net. Keira Mullen tallied 11 kills while also serving up a pair of aces, finishing with a team-high 14.5 points. Avery Dole facilitated the offense with 17 assists and added a service ace.

Daemen opened the first set with a solid start, quickly recovering from an initial attack error to equalize at 1-1 with a kill by Mullen assisted by Dole. A series of successful plays, including service aces by Jarielys Giraud, propelled the Wildcats to a lead of 4-1. Despite a brief challenge from the Redhawks, Daemen maintained momentum, with significant contributions from Malpica and Rancy's defensive blocks.

Mullen continued to shine with her service, contributing multiple aces and kills, extending Daemen's lead to 10-4. As Roberts Wesleyan attempted to close the gap, Daemen consistently responded, with Payton Gaylor and Molly Ryan adding key points. The set concluded with Daemen securing a decisive 25-13 victory, capitalizing on the Redhawks' errors and strong defensive plays from the Wildcats' front line.

Daemen seized momentum in the second set with a decisive sequence, highlighted by Rancy's kill from Dole's assist, leveling the score early. Gaylor and Kate Trueblood each delivered crucial kills, contributing to a robust stretch that pushed the score to 7-3 in Daemen's favor. Dole played a pivotal role, serving an ace and facilitating multiple successful plays, extending the home team's lead to 18-8. Despite a late surge by the Redhawks, Daemen maintained control, with Nicole Giardina sealing the set with a kill from Maddie Schamaun's assist. The set concluded with Daemen leading 25-15.

The Wildcats capitalized on several key plays to maintain momentum throughout the third set. Rancy started the offensive surge with a kill, leveling the score at 1-1, followed by Mullen and Ryan, who each contributed crucial kills to extend Daemen's lead. A combination of attack errors by Roberts Wesleyan and additional kills from Mullen and Rancy helped Daemen increase their advantage to 10-4.

Despite the Redhawks' attempts to close the gap, Daemen responded with consistent offense, highlighted by a service ace from Malpica, pushing the score to 22-16. Mullen's performance was pivotal, as she added multiple kills, including the final point, sealing the set 25-20. This victory concluded the match with Daemen securing the win.

The Wildcats have now won two matches in a row, and three of their last four, improving to 9-11 overall and 5-2 in conference play this season. The Redhawks are 2-20 overall, with a 2-4 record in conference competition after suffering their fifth straight setback. 

Daemen hits the road for a pair of ECC contests this weekend, beginning Saturday, Nov. 1 when they face Molloy University.

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.

Follow the Daemen women's volleyball program on Twitter and Instagram at @DaemenWVB.
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