Volleyball Takes Two of Three at Dartmouth Invite

Fordham+Volleyball+saw+more+success+this+weekend+at+Dartmouth.+%28Julia+Comerford%2FThe+Fordham+Ram%29

Fordham Volleyball saw more success this weekend at Dartmouth. (Julia Comerford/The Fordham Ram)

Gigi Speer, Contributing Writer

Consistency is the key for Fordham Volleyball. The squad has finished each of the past three weekends with two wins and a loss, earning a 6–3 overall record so far this season. In addition, the team continues to set individual and team records to propel it into this week’s game and Atlantic 10 play next week.

Coming off a strong performance last weekend in Virginia that included highlight-reel-worthy blocks, kills and digs, the team was ready and excited to play Friday, sweeping Hartford University 25–23, 25–14, 25–20. The win was decisive, as both teams were 4–2 heading into the match.

Senior outside hitter Kaitlin Morley racked up 10 kills, while junior McKenna Lahr followed with nine and a block and junior Olivia Fairchild and sophomore Joey Landeros each tallied eight. Fairchild also racked up three blocks, and senior middle blocker Elise Benjamin led the way with six blocks across the three sets.

Heading into Saturday, the Rams won the first set of the day against Hofstra 25–22, yet could not keep the Lionesses away, losing the match in four sets.

Despite this setback, the team did what it does best: deliver a win with an impressive statline to dominate the other team. Better yet, they did it against the home team. Fordham dominated Dartmouth in four sets, breaking the record for team digs with 103, and individual digs with Morgan Williams’ 42.

On what has elevated her game, Williams credits technical work as well as “the support of the entire team and coaching staff.”

The help is more than just emotional. Performances around her included 14 kills and 14 digs from junior McKenna Lahr and 11 each from senior Kaitlin Morley and sophomore Bella Ureña, a new season-high for the Ureña. Sophomore setter Makaela Tanaka had 10 and 18 assists, while freshman setter Megan Brzozowski had 25 assists and a season-high 14 digs. Sophomore Claire O’Neil contributed four blocks, while Morley and Urena each had two and Fairchild one.

“It really helps when the block gives me a clear lane to dig,” Williams said as a reason why she was able to break the six-year school record for digs in one less set (Maria Rodenberg’s 38 in five sets in 2013).

Williams is excited for what’s to come. “I’m honestly looking forward to everyone getting better and seeing how our hard work during preseason transfers to the conference,” she said.

The Rams will play New York competition this week: Manhattan on Wednesday, Columbia on Thursday and LIU Brooklyn on Friday.