CALDWELL, N.J. - The Southern Connecticut State University volleyball team defeated Caldwell University, 3-1. The Owls improve to 7-2 overall, while the Cougars fall to 0-5.
| Set Scores |
|
| Set 1: SCS 25, CAL 19 |
Set 3: CAL 25, SCS 22 |
| Set 2: SCS 25, CAL 16 |
Set 4: SCS 25, CAL 15 |
Gabriela Gaibur (Monroe, N.Y.) had a team-high 17 digs and a game-high 13 kills and added two service aces.
Abigail Epstein (Crystal River, Fla.) tallied 11 kills, a game-high four service aces, and two blocks.
Taylor Jones (Middletown, N.Y.) picked up a game-high 18 assists, while chipping in three service aces.
Lily Miller (Ottawa, Ill.) made her first collegiate appearance and tallied 11 assists in her debut.
Erika Benson (Kings Park, N.Y.) recorded 10 kills and a block for the Owls.
How It Happened
- Both teams came out swinging, trading points through a close first set. A 10-6 run for Caldwell early on almost proved to be dangerous, but the Owls responded with a 10-1 run of their own to regain the lead, 20-13, powered by three Gaibur kills. SCSU sealed off the set win by outscoring Caldwell, 12-8.
- The second set started similar to the first with both teams trading points. With the Owls narrowly leading, 8-7, they used a 10-2 run fueled by kills from Gaibur, Benson, and Layla Cortez to take a 10-point lead. The Cougars made an effort to catch the Owls, but SCSU's run was enough to sail to 25-16 set win.
- Set three started off in favor of the Cougars who looked to find their groove early on. As the Owls gained momentum, the Cougars were able to hold on and narrowly edge SCSU in the third set, 25-22.
- A familiar trend kick started the final set as SCSU was looking to close out the match, while Caldwell was looking to even the score. The Owls were able to capitalize on six of Caldwell's service errors, and outhit the Cougars .333% to -.100 to capture the match victory, 25-15.
Notes
- Taylor Jones has recorded double-digit assists in all nine games for the Owls this season.
- Gabriela Gaibur tallied her fifth double-double of the season against Caldwell on Sept. 14 with 17 digs and 13 kills. Gaibur's 17 digs are also a season-high for the junior.
- Erika Benson has tallied at least one block in each of the Owls nine games this season.
- Lilly Miller made her collegiate debut and picked up 11 assists against Caldwell.
- Abigail Epstein's four service aces is a season-high for the graduate student.
Up Next
The Owls are set to host Post University and Franklin Pierce University on Friday, Sept. 17 at Pelz Gymnasium.
