Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – Lynn University's volleyball extended its winning streak to seven, and sweep-streak to five, with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-19) victory over Nova Southeastern in both teams Sunshine State Conference opener. The victory snaps a two-game losing streak for the Fighting Knights at the Shark Tank and improves their overall record to 8-1 and 1-0 in the SSC.
After taking the opening point of the first set, the Blue & White never looked back to grab a 1-0 lead. A 14-9 lead, which saw LU win four of five points, forced Nova Southeastern (1-9, 0-1 SSC) into calling an early timeout. The Sharks came out of the break and scored two quick points but the Fighting Knights regrouped and went on their own run, scoring four unanswered points to put the set out of reach.
Lizzy Raffa keyed the 25-14 set victory for Lynn, posting five kills, two digs and a pair of aces. Shannon Dugan was equally as strong, serving up three aces of her own while Abbey Brokop quarterbacked the offense with seven assists. Nikki Haben returned from an injury that held her out of six matches to record five of her 10 total digs on the night.
Lynn did not have as easy a time in the second set as the Sharks kept it close. With the score tied 13-13, Brittany Brown smashed a towering kill to kick-start a four-point scoring spree for LU, of which she contributed three points. NSU came to within two, 21-19, but kills by Breanna Cox and Angie Caple put LU on top 2-0.
It was Mandy McIntosh's turn to lead the offense as the junior setter logged eight assists. Defensively, the Blue & White stepped up their game with four players posting three or more digs while holding the Sharks to a .030 team hitting percentage.
Lynn had to fend off one more Nova Southeastern rally before claiming victory. The Sharks would take a quick 3-1 lead and maintain the two point advantage until a 7-0 run put Lynn on top 11-6. Three blocks and an ace assisted the Fighting Knights and gave them the cushion they needed.
In the deciding set McIntosh and Brown made their presence known at the net each providing solo and assisted blocks. Michelle Jordan led the Blue & White with four digs and Brokop logged with six assists.
Caple and Dugan each recorded 10 kills for the team while hitting .381 and .389. Brokop and McIntosh combined for 35 assists, with Brokop missing out on a double-double with 21 assists and nine digs.
Lynn's defense once again proved relentless as it held Nova Southeastern to a .011 total team hitting percentage, logged 14 total blocks and 48 digs. Jordan led LU with 12 digs.
The Fighting Knights get a little rest before their next game, traveling to Lakeland, Fla., for a SSC clash with Florida Southern on September 21st. Fans can catch the action live at LynnFightingKnights.com. Don't forget to 'Like' us on Facebook and follow @LUKnights on Twitter and Instagram.
