FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Sacred Heart University women's volleyball Head Coach
Rob Machan earned the 300th victory of his illustrious career on Saturday afternoon, topping Quinnipiac at the William H Pitt Center in four sets.
Gaby Zovko led the way for the Pioneers with 27 assists, 13 digs and six blocks. She was bested by her teammate
Cristina Montanez, who tallied a career-best nine blocks.
Camryn Luginbuhl also had a stellar day with 12 kills and nine digs.
Allison Murray and
Miliani Villarreal excelled at the service line, as both set career highs with four aces.
Records:
Sacred Heart: 11-14, 7-6 MAAC
Quinnipiac: 14-10, 12-0 MAAC
Top Performers:
Camryn Luginbuhl: 12 kills, 9 digs
Gaby Zovko: 28 assists, 27 assists, 13 digs, 6 blocks, 4 kills
Cristina Montanez: 9 blocks, 5 kills
How It Happened:
The Pioneers got off to a hot start in the first set, going up 10-4 through 14 points. The Bobcats got back into the frame with a 4-0 run following the media timeout, trimming the deficit to 15-14. SHU was ready with a 6-1 surge to build its advantage back to six, 21-15. Two points by Quinnipiac was quickly followed by three more for the Pios, as the home team went on to take the first 25-18.
A solid start to the second by the Bobcats propelled them to a 25-21 victory, evening the match at 1-1.
Both teams traded points to begin the third, with a 6-0 run by Quinnipiac giving the visitors an 8-5 lead. The Bobcats led by as much as six in the frame, 13-8, before SHU won six straight points to take a 14-13 lead. Zovko and Montanez combined for a pair of crucial blocks in the surge. The teams started to trade points from there until the score sat tied at 22-all. Three straight errors by the Bobcats, the last being a block by Luginbuhl, propelled SHU to a 25-22 win and a 2-1 lead in the match.
Quinnipiac got off to another good start in the third, winning 11 of the first 15 points. The Pioneers were again ready with an answer, putting together a thrilling 8-0 run to take a 16-13 advantage. Murray highlighted the surge with a pair of aces and a kill. A 3-0 surge a little later widened the home team's lead, while a set-ending 3-0 spurt gave the Pios a four-set victory.
Up Next:
The Pioneers hit the road tomorrow to play Merrimack at 1 p.m.
