Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Fairfield University volleyball team fell to Princeton 3-0 (20-25; 19-25; 19-25) in the opening match of play at the Hofstra Invitational this afternoon.
 
Freshman Camille Coffey led the Stags with 13 kills while adding six digs. Junior Brianna Dixion notched nine kills on .400 hitting with two total blocks.
 
Defensively, senior Haililani Pokipala led the team with 12 digs while freshman Carsen Mata had 11 digs.
 
The first set was close early, but the Tigers (1-0) used a 9-2 run to pull away from the Stags and take the 18-9 advantage. Fairfield rallied back and made it a one-point game, 18-17, on an ace by Marilyn Peizer. But Princeton was able to hold off the Stags and closed the set on a 4-0 run.
 
The second stanza also was a close one. After a Rachel Romansky kill pulled the Stags within 17-16, Princeton responded with a 3-1 burst. Fairfield did not back down, pulling within 20-19 on an ace by Romansky The Tigers countered with a 5-0 run to go on to the 25-20 win.
 
The two teams also battled it out in the third set with 12 ties and four lead changes. With the score knotted at 18-18, Princeton was able to tally five-straight points. After committing a service error, the Tigers scored the final two of the day on a block and a kill by Lisa Rudnick.

Rudnick notched a match-high 16 kills for Princeton while Michaela Venuti has a double-double with 35 assists and 12 digs.

The Stags (0-4) continue play at the Hofstra Invitational this evening when they take on the host Pride at 7pm. Live Stats and Live Audio will be available for the match by visiting GoHofstra.com.