Fairfield University Volleyball (7-4(2-0)) had a remarkable opening to Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play this past weekend. The Stags wrapped up their weekend in New York with a perfect MAAC record. Fairfield first visited the Marist College Red Foxes (2-8(1-1)) in Poughkeepsie, NY on Fri., September 20 where they won in three sets. On Sun., September 22 they continued their travels upstate to to Loudonville, NY to take on the Siena College Saints (5-6 (1-1)). The Saints managed to claim a single set, but were taken down 3-1 by the forces of Fairfield.
Senior Stag Mayda Garcia lead the back row with 13 digs on Friday’s game against Marist as well as the offense, totaling eight kills in three sets. Sophomore Laura Seeger and Joelle Battles ‘23 trailed closely behind Garcia collecting six kills each while Kaylie Butts ‘21 had five of her own. The balanced attackers in conjunction with a solid defense were a recipe for success. Junior Luci Albertson had the best of both worlds, garnering eight blocks (her career-best) in addition to four kills.
Fairfield and Marist were neck-and-neck in the first set until Fairfield surged at point 17, breaking the even score and earning five-straight points putting them in the lead 21-17. Marist was unable to catch up and they handed Fairfield the first set 25-18. This set the pace for the rest of the game, where the Stags won more narrowly in the second set, 26-24, and finally 25-21 in the third which decided the game.
Their trip to Siena was eventful for the Stags, who flaunted their skills in enemy territory. On Sunday morning, Fairfield’s Mayda Garcia ‘20, Joelle Battles ‘23 and Julia Kallen ‘22 all boasted kills in the double digits (13, 11 and 10 respectively). In conjunction with Garcia’s lucky 13 kills, she registered a double-double with 19 digs. This would be her first of the 2019 season. Manuela Nicolini ‘20 dished out 41 assists and was one dig shy of a double-double.
Siena threatened Fairfield when they claimed the first set 25-23, but Fairfield responded with a vengeance dominating the remaining three 26-16, 25-18 and finally 25-20.
On Sat., September 28, Fairfield University will welcome Quinnipiac University to Alumni Hall for the first MAAC matchup of the season on George Bisacca Court. The Bobcats (4-7(0-2)) are thirsty to earn a tally in the win column of conference play while in Stag Country.
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