NYU Women's Volleyball Captures UAA Title With Five-Set Win Over Host Emory
The seventh-ranked New York University women's volleyball team captured the 2023 University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship, winning its second in the last three years. The Violets came out victorious against fourth-ranked host and defending UAA Champion Emory University in a 3-2 battle on Saturday, in Atlanta.
NYU came into the tournament as the #2 seed and faced #1 seed Emory for the title match. The two teams have played each other 27 times since 2001, with Emory taking 23 of those meetings.
"Today was such a resilient effort from our side, especially with the slow start adjusting to Emory's powerful offense," said Head Coach Andrew Brown. "But, our team continues to make strong adjustments."
Emory got off to a quick start in set one, going up 6-0 before NYU got on the board. The Eagles held a 19-8 lead, but the Violets' 13-2 scoring run tied the set. Two back-to-back service aces from Dominique Drust and a combined block by Haley Holz and Leela Anvekar secured set one 25-22.
NYU then took set two, 25-16, only trailing after the first point. Two ties ensued before the Violets ran off with the game, keeping at least a two-point lead the rest of the set.
The Violets got on the board first in set three, with three quick points, including a service ace by Grace Nelson. However, a 12-2 scoring run in favor of Emory gave them a seven-point lead which they never relinquished. NYU battled back, defending match-point twice. But, Emory was able to take set three, 25-15.
Emory also won set four, 25-18, to even up the match. There were five ties, but the Eagles' seven-point scoring run gave them a substantial lead. NYU fought back, bringing it to a three-point game. However, a Violet service error at match point gave the set to Emory.
The final set was tied six times, and the lead shifted three times. Down 13-11, NYU scored four straight to secure the fifth set and win the match, 15-13.
"Our team stayed very confident moving into the second half of the match even though Emory was able to continue to make changes," Brown added. "But, going into the fifth set I felt really confident and comfortable with our players and their grit and determination to fight."
Holz led the Violets with 18 kills, Nelson followed with 14 and Camille Nazor had nine.
Ava Launsbach led in assists with 32, while Drust followed with 16.
Elise Curtin, Holz, and Anvekar each had five blocks. Ella Weider added three.
Lindsey Hirano led with 27 digs.
"I'm so proud of this team and our captains," Brown offered. "They work so hard day in a day out and earn every result they achieve. We will enjoy this moment and get right back to work Monday as we prepare for NCAA's."
With the win, the Violets secured an automatic bid and will be heading to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive year. Play begins Thursday, November, 16, at a yet-to-be-determined location.