UNH Volleyball: Team Remains Strong Before America East Play

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Nick Menounos, Sports Writer

The Wildcats were on a roll this past weekend at the George Mason tournament. They opened the weekend with a very competitive game against a game George Mason team. The Wildcats were able to overcome the Patriots in sets 3-2. The Wildcats won the first set by a score of 25-22, after that however, the Patriots won the next two sets by scores of 25-22 and 25-14. With their back up against the wall in two consecutive “got to have it” sets the Wildcats were able to capture wins 25-15 and finally 15-11. UNH was led in assists by Camryn Hunn who recorded a season-high 23 while also leading the way with two aces. Kara Oxenknecht led the team in blocks with 5.

The Wildcats would move to their second game of the weekend, where they would beat the Morgan State Bears by a set score of 3-0. Despite the lopsided victory, the first two sets of the match were incredibly close. After being down 16-7 in the first round, and 24-21 in the final moments, the Wildcats were able to rally to score 7 of the last 9 points to win 28-26. The Wildcats were able to win another tightly contested set 25-20, giving the Wildcats a ton of momentum and breaking the spirit and moral of the Bears. This was evident in the final set as the Wildcats cruised to a 25-8 win. For the second straight game, Camryn Hunn lead the team in assists with 21 and aces with 5. Mia Pagliarini recorded a game high 14 digs.

UNH would conclude their weekend vs the UMES Hawks. This marked the second consecutive game where the Wildcats would win 3-0 in sets. UNH would win by set scores of 25-11, 25-20 and finally 25-21. UNH was led in both kills and digs by Hannah Serbousek with 10 of each. Despite valiant efforts by the Hawks to rally in their final two sets, UNH was able to leave Fairfax Virginia with three consecutive wins. Those wins would bring the Wildcats to a record of 9-5, the highest number of wins over .500 since late August.

The Wildcats were able to carry this momentum into their game this past Wednesday, where they beat Merrimack in consecutive sets- marking the 3rd consecutive game UNH has not lost a set. The set scores were 25-13, 25-20 and finally 26-24. The Wildcats were able to overcome a 5-0 run late in the third set that tied the game at 24-24 before recording two consecutive points to take home the win. Lindsey Kriendler led the Wildcats with 4 aces. Katherine Kouba led the in digs with 15.

The Wildcats will finally be back at home for their next game on Friday, September 30th against Ualbany (3-10). This win streak for the Wildcats gives them the most current wins in the America East.

Picture courtesy of UNHwildcats.com