Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics
By: Phil Akre
Quinnipiac women’s volleyball extended its win streak to five on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Iona Gaels 3-0. The Bobcats have now won seven of their last ten, and sit at 12-5 overall.
Coming off a six game road trip that saw the Bobcats go 5-1, they picked up where they left off against the 1-12 Gaels. The first set was highlighted by senior middle hitter Allison Leigh’s four points, three kills, and two blocks.
Quinnipiac looked fundamentally sound, with fluid communication throughout the first. The Gaels didn’t help their cause, as they committed 12 attack errors. Sophomore outside hitter Jen Coffey contributed three points, one kill, two digs, and three blocks. After taking a commanding lead, the Bobcats won the first set 25-18 as a result of an Iona attack error.
Iona was a bit more polished in the second set, as they kept it close the whole way through. However, excellent ball placement from Quinnipiac’s Jen Coffey overpowered them, as the sophomore scored four points and totaled four kills. The Bobcats took the second set 25-20.
Looking to close it out in the third set, the Bobcats trailed often, as the Gaels at one point led 11-7. Quinnipiac lacked the focus they had in the first and second sets, but it chipped back, and eventually won the set 25-15. Head coach Kris Czaplinski wasn’t surprised with his team’s booming confidence and ability to comeback.
“It started on the first day of practice,” Czaplinski said. “They came in and they expected great things from this team. We’ve been in deficits in all of our games this year and they’ve been able to battle back. I have the utmost confidence in this team.”
Now 4-0 in MAAC play, Czaplinski feels that it’s the result of the growing chemistry his team has. “It starts with practice. Focusing on the game plan, especially for Iona. They’re doing a great job. Just focusing on the small details of that team.”
After some tough years as a member of the team, senior Allison Leigh is now enjoying true team success. “It feels pretty amazing,” Leigh said. “It’s kind of hard to believe sometimes. I think we look forward to the games more now; it makes us work a lot harder.”
After tying Quinnipiac volleyball’s record for consecutive wins, Jen Coffey added, “This is just a huge morale booster.”
Quinnipiac looks to continue its excellent stretch as they face Manhattan College on Sunday, September 25th at 1 p.m.
