The American University volleyball team is on fire, defeating four straight teams to maintain a undefeated 6-0 record. After winning their first Patriot League game against UMBC, the Eagles next challenger was the Delaware Blue Hens Saturday evening at Bender Arena.
Senior Maya Mrus contributed some of the Eagle’s success this year to their closeness as a team. “We trust one another. We’re great friends off the court and it really translates to on the court.”
Freshman Adelina Berisha had her first start of the season, opening strong for AU with their first two kills. The Eagles took an early five point lead over Delaware 10-5, however the Blue Hens went on a five point run to catch the Eagles at 10-10.
The set tied 11 times before the Eagles created another lead, and with the contributions of four kills in the last six points from senior Zeynep Uzen, American took the first set.
The second set started off in a deadlock between the Eagles and the Blue Hens. With neither team able to create a significant lead, the score was tied 12 times until it reached 15-15.
Delaware then went on a straight six point run. AU was able to prevent two set points from the Blue Hens with kills from graduate student Carlie Fikse and Uzen, until Delaware shut down the Eagles 25-22.
American started strong in the third set, creating an 11-3 lead from the jump. The Blue Hens clawed their way back into only a two point deficit. A kill from Uzen sparked a 4-0 run that included back to back kills from Fikse and an ace for Mrus.
The fourth set started with three kills from Fikse to get the Eagles ahead. AU held strong against the Blue Hens, holding the lead for most of the game. AU got to set point at 24-18 after an impressive five kills from Fikse.
However, Delaware was not ready to give up, scoring four straight points against AU to make the set 24-22. An error from the Blue Hens cost them the game, and the Eagles won the last set 25-22 to secure a match victory.
“Being resilient and always coming back has been something we’ve been good at this year” Mrus said.
Uzen contributed a match-high 17 kills and nine digs. Fikse hit .440 with 12 kills and led the Eagles with five blocks. Sophomore Esma Siphai added 16 assists, seven digs and six kills. Senior Rachael Bennett led AU with 12 digs, and Mrus had six kills alongside a match-best three service aces.
“It’s nice to start off so well. We might change the lineup every time, but we’re so supportive of one another, and I’m excited for what this season has to hold.” Mrus said.
The Eagles next take on Morgan State, facing the Bears on Friday, Sept. 12th.
