By Kenny Barto
This weekend’s action brought two important conference wins for the CCSU volleyball team, but the mood turned bittersweet when seniors Danielle Gasser and Sara DeLacey took the court at Detrick Gymnasium for the last time.
“Words can’t express how important they’ve been for this program,” Head Coach Linda Sagnelli said. “You can’t replace them, there’s no way, but they’ve made a lasting impact and you can only learn from them. They’re so inclusive of everyone and they’re just great players on the court as well.”
On Saturday, the Blue Devils (19-9, 10-4 NEC) played host to Saint Francis (PA) (9-20, 4-10 NEC) and quickly sent them packing in three sets.
It was not all easy for CCSU against the Red Flash, however, as they were at match point, 24-19, when a kill by Jamie Rademacher gave Blaike King the service opportunity. A block by Gasser and Rademacher led to back-to-back kills by Emily Cochran, followed by an attack error from St. Francis’ Breanna Kochinsky to bring the game to 24-24. A perfect set by Gasser gave Rademacher yet another kill to put the Blue Devils in control, 25-24 with a need for just one more point to put the match away.
King would not disappoint, serving a rocket across the net which the Red Flash could not handle, ending the game with an ace, clinching a spot in the NEC playoffs.
“We went to serve being down 24-20, and we won 26-24, it was just amazing,” said Sagnelli. “Blaike’s nerves of steel combined with good ball movement and defense was the key to being able to sweep that match.”
CCSU’s comeback abilities were tested yet again on Sunday as they played host to Robert Morris, who held the same conference record. The Blue Devils fell behind out of the gate, falling by as much as six in the first set before losing 25-21.
“It’s always tough facing [Robert Morris],” Sagnelli said. “They’re a top four team year-in and year-out, and they really showed it in that first set. We couldn’t put the ball down at crucial points, and we didn’t defend as well as we did in the other sets.”
With an increased crowd due to senior day, the atmosphere at Detrick was louder than normal, and had almost a playoff feel to it. All four sets were closely contested, and the crowd showed its appreciation with loud cheers every time the Blue Devils scored a point.
“That was awesome,” Sagnelli said with a smile. “It got the team pumped up and I really think it helped us push through to get the win today.”
In sets two and three, the largest deficit on any side was just three points. In the fourth set, the Blue Devils jumped out to a 18-16 advantage against the Colonials.
Robert Morris fought back, however, and worked the game to a tie score at 21-21. The game went back and forth, eventually getting to 24-24. The Blue Devils showed poise under pressure yet again, and were able to score two straight points to win the match three games to one.
Both DeLacey and Gasser played extremely well in their last game on their home court. DeLacey’s kill percentage was .471, which was second on the team to Rademacher for the match. Gasser had a kill percentage of .286 while adding 11 digs, and a match-high 54 assists.
“It was definitely bittersweet,” said DeLacey. “We’ve been here so long, but I’m glad to come away with a win in our last match here at home.”
Both DeLacey and Gasser may have the opportunity to play overseas in Ireland once they graduate. However, until then, they both agree that there is one thing they would like to do before the season is over.
“Beat Sacred Heart,” said both girls in unison when asked what their goals were for the rest of the season.
Sagnelli isn’t ready to look that far, however.
“We still have one more weekend left to play before the playoffs,” she said. “We have the opportunity to beat Long Island who is tied at the top with Sacred Heart. I’m more focused on that right now; I don’t want to look too far ahead.”
CCSU faces Long Island on Sunday, one day after they travel to last-place St. Francis (NY) who remains winless in the NEC.
With the sweep this weekend, the Blue Devils continue on with a 5-game winning streak, their longest of the season.
“It’s a big weekend next weekend,” Sagnelli said. “[Long Island] hasn’t seen us play like we did this weekend. I know we can put up a fight, as long as we execute and do all the little things right.”
