Seton Hall Volleyball’s Close Match Against Villanova: Highlights and Key Takeaways

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. – Seton Hall’s volleyball team faced tough challenges in a recent match against Villanova, losing 3-0 (19-25, 20-25, 9-25) in Walsh Gym. The team was down to just nine players, with some not at full strength, which made things even harder.

In the first set, the Pirates started strong, leading 8-7 at one point. However, Villanova quickly took control and stayed ahead. Seton Hall managed to close the gap to 20-16 thanks to a kill from Daria Safian, but the Wildcats didn’t let up and took the set 25-19.

The second set was the most competitive, featuring seven ties and four lead changes. Asli Subasili served an ace to tie it at 14. Unfortunately, Villanova pulled ahead with a 6-1 run, eventually winning 25-20.

In the third set, Villanova dominated from the start, leading all the way to win 25-9. Seton Hall struggled significantly, finishing with a season-low attack percentage of -0.032.

Gwen Adler stood out with eight assists, nine digs, four kills, and two blocks. Freshman Sadie Reich led in kills with five, while Safian added four kills and three service aces. Overall, Seton Hall had 22 kills compared to Villanova’s 39.

The loss dropped Seton Hall’s record to 6-7 overall and 0-2 in the BIG EAST. They have now lost five straight matches to Villanova, bringing their all-time record against them to 18-36.

Adler’s performance highlights her growing role in the team. As the season progresses, young players like her and Reich are crucial for the Pirates’ development. The sport’s current trends emphasize building experience and resilience in younger players, as noted by several coaches in the league.

The Pirates will have a chance to bounce back on Friday, October 3, when they face Connecticut in Storrs at 5:00 p.m.

For those interested in exploring more about volleyball statistics, check out the latest data from the NCAA here.

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