NORFOLK, Va. – In its third match in so many days, the Old Dominion (2-1) volleyball team defeated Delaware State, 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at the ODU Volleyball Center.
Alessia Sgherza had a big day for the Monarchs, finishing with a season-high 15 kills, while adding seven digs, a block and a service ace. Freshman Madelyn Grunza (12) totaled double-digit kills for the first time this season.
After winning the first two sets, 25-21 and 25-19, Delaware State responded in the third set with a convincing 25-17 win over the Monarchs. The Hornets continued its momentum as it won the fourth set, 25-18 to force a fifth and final set.
The thrilling fifth set opened in the Monarchs' favor when Teresa Atilano served an ace. DSU added three-straight points to lead 3-1 but served an error to allow the Monarchs back on the board. The Hornets (0-1) dominated the next few points until the Monarchs flipped momentum when Olivia De Jesus stepped up with a block, making it a one point game in favor of DSU. It was a defensive battle the remainder of the set as the two teams traded points. It was not until Hailey Duncan downed a block that the fifth set was knotted, 12-12. The Hornets added one more point but ODU went on to score three consecutive points via a Grunza kill and two DSU attack errors that ODU came out victorious.
Up Next
ODU will hit the road for the first time as they visit Liberty for a 1:30 p.m. match on Friday, Jan. 29.
Monarch Fan Cutouts
Due to popular demand, the Old Dominion University athletics department has made Monarch Fan Cutouts available for volleyball.
The "Monarch Cutouts", presented by Chartway, are available for $59 and will be in attendance at all home games for the 2021 season. Photos of the fan cutouts will be posted on social media throughout the season.
To order a fan cutout, click here.
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Volleyball Beats Delaware State in Five Sets
