Rockville Centre, N.Y. - For the second time in three seasons, the Molloy College volleyball team reigns as East Coast Conference Champions, defeating the University of Bridgeport, 3-1, this evening from Quealy Gymnasium. The Lions, who are ranked #1 in the East Region, await the NCAA Selection Show on Monday (Nov. 25) to learn their opponent after earning the automatic bid to the NCAA East Regional Tournament. At the conclusion of the contest, redshirt senior
Carly Banks was recognized as the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament. This is Banks' second time earning the award, taking home the hardware in Molloy's 2017 championship season.
Molloy 25, Bridgeport 20
Bridgeport 25, Molloy 21
Molloy 25, Bridgeport 19
Molloy 25, Bridgeport 20
How it Happened
- After trailing 4-1 early, the maroon and white put together a six-point rally to take a 7-4 lead, including three aces from senior Sophia Smith.
- The teams would exchange leads, tying the score on seven occasions, including as late at 19-19.
- Molloy took the next four points to go in front, 23-19, before taking the first set.
- UB took an early 6-1 lead in the second set. The Lions would come within two, 17-15, but were unable to overcome the early deficit, tying the match score 1-1.
- The Purple Knights led for the third straight set, but Molloy once again captialized on a strong run, taking seven-straight points on the serving of freshman Brynne Winkelman to go in front, 15-10, before taking the third set.
- The score would knotted seven times through the first half of the fourth set.
- The home team took nine of 12 points to take a definitive 21-15 lead.
- Bridgeport would come within three, 23-20, but back-to-back kills from junior Kacey Affrunti and Smith sealed the contest and the championship in favor of the Lions.
Top Performances
- Banks topped all players with 16 kills in her Most Outstanding Player performances.
- She was joined in double digits by Affrunti, who tallied 13.
- Senior Hailey Wehr added eight kills to go with a game-high six blocks.
- Smith had a double-double with 46 assists and 12 digs to go with four aces and the game-sealing kill.
- Senior Jessica Fischetti (28), sophomore Kathleen Doherty (15), and Winkelman (10) joined Smith as dig leaders.
