AU women's volleyball swept both opponents this weekend, defeating the U.S. Military Academy and College of the Holy Cross by matching 3-0 scores, to add to its season-high 12-match winning streak. The two victories improve the Eagles' record to 17-6 on the season and a perfect 9-0 in the Patriot League.
The Eagles started off on Friday by taking out previously undefeated Army thanks to strong efforts by junior middle blocker Claire Recht and senior outside hitter Rubena Sukaj. Recht had a career-high .857 hitting percentage while Sukaj led all scorers with 15 kills.
The Eagles cruised to victory with set scores of 25-14, 25-23 and 25-19. AU was able to take the lead in all three-sets from the get go and never look back, holding the Black Knights to a .136 hitting percentage throughout the match.
The Eagles honored their four seniors, defensive setter Ivana Cebakova, setter Christina Nash, defensive setter Tessa Paganini and outside hitter Rubena Sukaj during a special halftime ceremony Saturday. Nash and Cebakova were instrumental in the win, with Nash recording 29 assists and Cebakova leading the defense with 11 digs.
Once again, the Eagles never gave up the lead in all three sets, winning those sets by scores of 25-13, 25-12 and 25-13.
AU held the Crusaders to a -.039 hitting percentage throughout the match.
The Eagles will return to action at 7 p.m. Thursday, as they travel on the road to face the U.S. Naval Academy.
You can reach this staff writer at jhall@theeagleonline.com.
