On Sunday, Nov. 17, the University of New Hampshire’s volleyball team defeated the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) in just three sets. This moved them on to the America East Semifinals and a rematch against UMBC.
In the first set, the Wildcats kept a steady lead against the Retrievers, scoring two points for each that UMBC scored in the first six points tallied. UNH gave themselves a larger lead scoring four points in a row. UMBC only managed to score 16 points in this set due to the defensive plays UNH made.
The second set looked as though UNH would dominate the court, similarly to their first set, getting six points in a row. UMBC made a run getting ten points in 11 serves, putting them in the lead for the first time in the match. The Wildcats made it a point to take the lead back, scoring four points in a row to take a one-point lead. UMBC tied the score, but UNH wanted to keep the lead scoring four more points in a row, including two kills from Meredith Hohnbaum. This made it a very back-and-forth game with scoring going bouncing between the teams. In the back and forth, Serbousek recorded her 1,000th career kill, leading UNH to match point with a kill from Karabulut.
“The support system I have here in New Hampshire is amazing, and my parents are at the heart of it. Having them by my side during such a milestone was an incredible gift,” said Serbousek.
UMBC tried to hold UNH at bay on match point with three points but fell from an attack error from outside hitter, Mia Bilusic. While UMBC was able to get 22 points in this set, Hohnbaum was attributed to keeping them at bay with eight kills and three blocks.
UMBC came into the third set trying to win at least once, scoring six points in a row. Their run ended with a kill by Rachel Grier. This led to back-and-forth scoring, ending with a four-point run by UNH, falling just short of tying the score. UMBC continued their lead with three points of their own. The Wildcats were finally able to take the lead with another four-point run.
“We’re confident in our own abilities, no matter who we’re playing,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.
The lead was consistently bouncing between the teams until UMBC was able to get to match point. Their match point was stunted with a block by Hohnbaum and Grier. UNH went to win the set by two points with a kill by Karabulut for one point and a block by Marisa Armer and Evelyn Brenton.
The Wildcats ended their America East run dominating UMBC and UAlbany both 3-1 to bring home the trophy and were named the champions!
“My new favorite memory is the time they won an America East Championship,” said Feliciano.