SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Southern Connecticut volleyball fell to American International, 3-1 on Friday night in NE10 action. The Yellow Jackets improved to an overall record of 14-6 and an NE10 record of 5-2 while the Owls dropped to an overall record of 14-6 and an NE10 record of 5-2.
Kerrigan Habing recorded her sixth double-double of the season with 11 kills and 10 digs.
Sydney Bennett led the Owls with 12 kills and a career-best of nine blocks.
Katie Bardak had seven kills and three blocks.
Dylan Marney and
Sarah Henault both had a team-best of two service aces. Henault had a team-best of 12 digs while Marney had nine.
Kimi Mitchell totaled a team-best of 33 assists against American International.
In the first set, both teams knew it would be a battle from the first service. It was a close back and forth rhythm between the Yellow Jackets and Owls as there were multiple lead changes and ties. It wasn't until halfway through the set when
Katie Bardak had a kill and
Kerrigan Habing recorded three kills, all were assisted by
Kimi Mitchell, to bring the score to 17-16, in favor of Southern. After a point by American International, the Owls totaled five straight points, which featured blocks by
Sydney Bennett and
Katie Bardak, a kill by
Kerrigan Habing and two aces from
Dylan Marney. The Yellow Jackets put some points back on the board; however, Southern held on to win the first set, 25-20.
In the second set, the Owls started with a 2-0 lead with kills from
Sarah Stark and
Sydney Bennett. Following that, American International began to grow their momentum, steadily. Looking to catch up to the Yellow Jackets' lead, a kill from
Sydney Bennett, a block from
Ceci Carter and
Sydney Bennett and a kill from
Kimi Mitchell, brought the Owls' six points closer to American International. Nevertheless, the Yellow Jackets extended their lead and tied the match at 1-1.
In the third set, American International jumped to a 4-0 advantage. However, the Owls worked their way back and regained the lead, with kills from
Katie Bardak and
Kerrigan Habing, with a score of 11-10. Southern continued with the lead for a few more points until American International got points back and turned the lead in their favor. The Owls tried to cut the Yellow Jackets' lead; but, American International won the third set, 25-20.
In the fourth set, kills by
Katie Bardak and
Sydney Bennett and a block by
Sydney Bennett and
Katie Bardak, put Southern in a 3-2 advantage. The Yellow Jackets worked their way back and took control of the lead. Southern put some points back on the board; however, the strong, offensive attack of American International continued to grow their lead. Despite the Owls' efforts, the Yellow Jackets finished with a fourth set win and a 3-1 victory over Southern Connecticut.
The Owls will return home to Pelz Gym on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 5:00 p.m. in an NE10 matchup against Adelphi. On Friday, Nov. 14, Southern Connecticut volleyball will honor their seniors on Senior Day in an NE10 match against Saint Anselm at 5:00 p.m., to round out the regular season.
