Blue Hens’ Late Rally Comes Up Short Against Reigning Champs

Friday, October 18

Newark, Del. / Carpenter Sports Building

6:30 p.m.

University of Delaware

11-7, 3-4CAA

Hofstra University

12-7, 5-2CAA

Hofstra

DELAWARE

Photo by: Sarah Boekholder

Blue Hens’ Late Rally Comes Up Short Against Reigning Champs

10/18/2019 8:42:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Bellinger racks up 16 kills with eight in the final set

NEWARK, Del. – Senior outside hitter Maria Bellinger tried to will the Delaware volleyball team into a set-three victory Friday night at the Carpenter Sports Building, but the defending CAA champion Hofstra proved to be too much, taking the match in straight sets (20-25, 18-25, 26-28).

The Blue Hens could not find a rhythm in the first two sets to dig an early hole against the Pride, but they came alive in the third set, jumping out to a 6-1 lead with senior Andie Hanus at the service line.

Hanus had a 16-dig night with four assists to carry Delaware's defensive efforts.

Hofstra would slowly work back into the set and tied things up at 10 and eventually jumped out to a 17-14 advantage. The Blue Hens would not shy away as the freshman trio of Ayala Plummer, Lauryn Richardson, and Ezgi Basaranlar were effective down the stretch.

Richardson and Plummer had all of their kills in the final frame, while Plummer added four blocks on the night. Basaranlar put together 25 assists with three kills and eight digs.

Trailing by four, Bellinger put away three-straight kills to get Delaware back in it, 24-23, and the run would continue after a Hofstra timeout to tie things at 24.

Bellinger tallied eight of her match-high 16 kills in the final set to go along with seven digs and four blocks on the night.

Delaware would extend the match past its usual 25 points, but ultimately the rally would come too late as the Pride escaped with a win.

The Blue Hens return to the Bob Carpenter Center to take on Northeastern Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.

For the latest on the Delaware volleyball program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareVB and Instagram @delawarevolleyball, and like on Facebook at Delaware Volleyball.