The Central Connecticut State University volleyball team dropped a five-set match to Fairleigh Dickinson University at Detrick Gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 21.
The Blue Devils, looking to improve upon their 2-6 conference record, could not pull out a win in a devastating fifth set.
After winning a close first set 25-23, CCSU dropped the following two sets 25-17 and 25-9, respectively.
Central came roaring back in the fourth, with a 25-17 victory. After jumping out to a lead in the deciding fifth set, the Blue Devils could not seal the deal, losing the set 15-13.
Sophomore Weronika Poczynek’s 15 kills led the CCSU offense. While freshman Victoria Sanabria continued her breakout weekend, adding 13 kills.
The pair was followed up by senior Isabelle Roufs’ six kills and junior Isabella Bratzke’s five.
Splitting time at setter, freshman Kylee Baranski and junior Madison Massaro-Cook combined for 40 of the Blue Devils’ 44 total assists.
Bratzke said she held herself and the team to a high standard following the match.
“We could’ve just played a little better volleyball,” Bratzke said. “They just went on a run … It’s just little things like getting a good pass, hitting it over and in, stuff like that.”
Central had a solid defensive showing, led by junior Lauren Milani’s 20 digs and Bratzke’s 30 error-free receptions and two solo blocks.
Poczynek again led Central in total points, with 18.5, while Sanabria followed her closely with 13.5.
Despite the fifth set not going Central’s way, the team kept the energy high on the court, Bratzke said.
“Even in the second half [of the set], when it started not going our way, we still were in it together,” Bratzke said. “Win or lose as a team.”
The Blue Devils take on Sacred Heart University on Friday, Oct. 27, at home before going on the road.
