The American University volleyball team (12-9) fell to the Howard University Bison (10-7) in their Oct. 12 matchup 3-0.
The Eagles hoped to continue a three-game winning streak in their final non-conference game, but could not match Howard and fell in three straight sets.
American held its own against Howard in the first set with eight tie scores and four lead changes, but Howard pulled ahead towards the end which caused American to call both of their timeouts towards the end of the set. Howard was undeterred and American lost the set 19-25.
Howard came out of the gate strong at the beginning of the second set, but American was able to remain on pace with them, tying the score six times. There were only two lead changes this time around as Howard both started out and finished on top.
The Bison completely dominated the third set, going on a run of four straight points to begin the set, and finishing with three straight points to win. The Eagles were not able to stay with them and did not take the lead or tie at all this set.
Senior Onuchi Ndee had seven kills and no errors on her 10 attempts for a .700 hitting percentage. Junior Maya Mrus led the team with eight kills, her fourth-best total this season, and senior Inbal Peleg led the team with eight digs.
In the end, Howard was able to gain and then regain momentum numerous times throughout the sets while American struggled to reassert themselves after falling behind. The Eagles had just 31 kills and zero aces to the Bison’s 48 and six.
After the match, Assistant Coach Sarah Katz Yiljep said the team’s upcoming 10-day break “will be important for our team to try and get better.”
The Eagles take on the Colgate University Raiders on Friday, Oct. 21 at Bender Arena and look to improve their Patriot League record.
