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Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Hofstra
September 12, 2015 | Women's Volleyball
BOX SCORE
Despite a spectacular effort from freshman middle Nnenna Ibe, the Princeton women's volleyball fell to the host school during the opening night of the Hofstra Invitational. The Pride used a pair of two-point victories to grab a 3-1 win.
Ibe, who has started all four matches at middle this season, recorded a team-best 15 kills and four blocks, all while hitting .737, but those close losses came back to bite Princeton in a 26-24, 25-21, 18-25, 25-23 loss.
Ibe had the most spectacular numbers of the night, though several teammates had strong efforts as well. Reigning first-team All-Ivy rightside Kendall Peterkin had 14 kills and hit .310, while sophomore Kelly Matthews continued her strong start with 11 kills and nine digs. Junior Lauren Miller had 23 assists and 13 digs, while both Sarah Daschbach and Maddie Huber had 10 digs apiece.
Princeton was forced to play catch up during the crucial first and fourth sets. The Tigers trailed 24-20 in the opener, but three straight points and a service ace by Daschbach forced a 24-24 tie. Hofstra took the next two points for the win, and then built a big lead midway through the second to grab a 2-0 lead.
The Tigers bounced back strong in the third, running off seven straight points on the Daschbach serve to open an 18-13 lead. They won that set, but were forced into a game of catch-up in the fourth. A service ace by Peterkin got the Tigers to within 24-23, but Hofstra finished off the match one point later.
Princeton will play twice Saturday, beginning at 10 am against Florida Gulf Coast. The Tigers will complete the tournament against Hartford at 3 pm.
