Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Freshman
Ali McAlvany spiked 12 kills on just 16 swings and the Eckerd College women's volleyball team cruised to its ninth straight win by sweeping Nova Southeastern University on Saturday afternoon, 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-20).
Playing on less than 24 hours of rest, the Tritons' latest triumph lasted just an hour and five minutes against the Sharks (2-8, 0-2 SSC), who were reeling from the onset thanks to Eckerd's balanced attack.
Currently co-leaders of the Sunshine State Conference standings, the Tritons (9-1, 2-0 SSC) kept what is known to be the program's longest win streak in school history alive. Eckerd has now swept its last five opponents and won 16 consecutive sets.
The Tritons had 43 kills versus just 16 by the Sharks and the EC defense tamed Nova Southeastern to a negative attacking percentage on 88 attempts.
The Tritons reeled off a 9-0 run in the first set, highlighted by three straight service aces delivered by setter Madison Burr.
Eckerd then claimed six of the first seven points scored in the second frame and added another 5-0 run in the middle to pull away. Nova Southeastern wouldn't be able to narrow the gap any closer than a nine-point deficit.
McAlvany improved on her team-leading attacking percentage (.360) with another dominant performance from the right side. In a three-set series, the Roswell, Ga., native tied her career-high total in kills dating back to Millersville University (Sept. 10).
McAlvany ripped 18 kills against Palm Beach Atlantic University in a five-set format.
With a healthy lead intact, the Tritons had the luxury of spreading out the offense in the final set and McAlvany recorded five of her dozen kills in the last frame. Eckerd's defense appropriately closed things out with an assisted block and a solo block.
Bri Smith served up 22 assists and Burr contributed 17. Kaleigh Humphrey led the Tritons with 10 digs while Olivia Fraser assisted on three blocks to complement her five kills. Lindsey Biggs added eight kills and nine digs.
The Tritons conducted a free youth clinic immediately following the match where participants were able to work with student-athletes on serving, attacking and passing.
Eckerd will now take to the road in the midst of a challenging two-game conference stretch against No. 24 Rollins College and No. 2 University of Tampa (Sept. 23). The Tritons travel to Winter Park to face the Tars of Rollins College next Wednesday at 7 p.m.
