Pirates Snap Villanova's Winning Streak in Four Set Victory

Date: October 12, 2017

By: Evando Thompson

South Orange, N.J.- The Seton Hall volleyball team defeated the Villanova Wildcats by a convincing three sets to one, Thursday night in Walsh Gym. Seton Hall ended Villanova's four game win streak while also jumping into a tie for third in the Big East Conference standings.

The first set seemed to be in Villanova's favor most of the way. The Hall trailed 10-4 before they finally rallied to tie up the game at 16, which forced a Wildcat timeout. Sharay Barnes and Caitlin Koska had four kills each in this set alone, as Abby Thelen followed with three kills of her own to lead the comeback that gave Seton Hall an early 1-0 lead.

The second of four sets had a final score that was exactly as the first set, but it did not get to the outcome in the same manner. The Pirates led the whole way, although there were a total of six ties in the set. As The Hall looked to create separation when they were at late in the set, Maggie Cvelbar dished out three assists to wrap up a convincing 2-0 lead.

(Photo: SHU Athletics)

In the most separated of all sets, Villanova secured their only set win in the third set as they looked to fight back in the game. Jumping out to an early 10-5 lead, the Wildcats never relinquished it as Seton Hall tried to claw its way back. Much of the damage the Pirates took in the set was due to attacking errors, block errors, services errors or bad sets, resulting in 12 Villanova points.

Both teams were desperate for the fourth set win as the Pirates ultimately ended up with the victory. The Pirates and Wildcats were neck and neck at 23-22. After a Pirates' service error, Abby Thelen took over the game with two kills and ended it 25-23 in favor of Seton Hall.

After making Big East Honor Roll, Maggie Cvelbar shone again with 23 assists, six digs and one service ace. Sharay Barnes led the way for the Pirates with 17 kills, one in front of Abby Thelen's 16.

This game brings Seton Hall to 5-3 in conference play on the season, and 11-10 overall. The Pirates finally emerged victorious as Villanova previously won 25 of the last 40 meetings and three out of the last four games between the two.

Up next for the Seton Hall women's volleyball team is another home stand as they take on St. John's Saturday, Oct. 14 in Walsh Gymnasium.

 

Evando Thompson can be reached at evando.thompson@student.shu.edu.

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