ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Fairfield University volleyball team was on the short side of two decisions at the UNM Invitational to open the 2016 season. The defending MAAC Champions were clipped by Idaho, 3-1, and then swept by Arizona State, 3-0. The Stags will play Abilene Christian and the host Lobos tomorrow to close out the two-day event.
"We had a great two weeks of preseason practice, but we didn't bring that energy and determination to the court today," said Head Coach Todd Kress. "Our defensive intensity improved in the second match, but we were unable to capitalize on some opportunities."
Idaho 3, Fairfield 1 (25-21, 25-16, 22-25, 25-21)
In the Stags' 2016 season opener, Megan O'Sullivan led the way on both sides of the net with 11 kills on .300 hitting (11-5-20) and a hand in five of Fairfield's seven blocks. The Stags' lone senior rounded out her afternoon with three digs.
On the outside, Skyler Day posted 10 kills and eight digs, while Megan Theiller sent home nine finishers with 11 digs. The duo each got a piece of two blocks. Oyinkansola Akinola registered nine kills (9-2-18, .389), and Sydney Williams added six. Rounding out the attack were Kaitlyn Finisher with three kills and Mayda Garcia with a pair in her collegiate debut.
The offense was run through the duo of Sydney Buckley and Manuela Nicolini. Buckley handed out 24 assists and Nicolini distributed 22 with each setter also picking up five digs. Buckley also served up the Stags' lone ace of the contest.
In the back row, Mallory Bechtold led all players with 19 digs from the libero spot.
Sarah Sharp led the Vandals with 13 kills. Megan Ramseyer doled out 21 assists for Idaho, and Terra Varney notched 18 digs.
Arizona State 3, Fairfield 0 (25-19, 25-15, 29-27)
The Sun Devils, who were an NCAA Championship at-large team in 2015 and are receiving votes in the AVCA Preseason Coaches' Poll this season, claimed the first two frames and held off a strong Fairfield effort in the third set to earn the sweep. The final stanza featured 18 ties and seven lead changes, including both teams warding off two set point situations before Arizona State pulled out the victory.
Fairfield was guided by double-doubles from Skyler Day and Sydney Buckley in the effort. Day shared the match high of 16 kills – the only Stag to reach double-figure kills – and registered 10 digs. Buckley doled out 17 assists and led the club with 11 digs from the setter spot.
Megan Theiller was just shy of joining her teammates in the double-double department, sending home nine kills with nine digs. Sydney Williams had eight kills, Oyinkansola Akinola added six and Megan O'Sullivan picked up five.
Buckley shared setting duties with Manuela Nicolini, who distributed 19 assists.
Mallory Bechtold aided the defensive cause with seven digs as the Fairfield libero.
Oluoma Okaro headed Arizona State's showing with 16 kills and five blocks, with Maya McClendon adding 15 kills. Kylie Pickrell ran the offense to the tune of 41 assists, and Halle Harker led all players with 17 digs.
The Stags return to the court in Albuquerque tomorrow at noon (Eastern) to challenge Abilene Christian. Fairfield wraps up action against host New Mexico at 8 p.m. (Eastern). The contest with the Lobos will be streamed live on the Mountain West Network.
New Mexico swept Abilene Christian earlier today in the season opener for both teams. Each squad will play another match tonight before entering tomorrow's action with the Stags.
"Tomorrow represents another day for growth," said Kress. "Hopefully all 15 members of the team are bought in to that concept. We have to continue to press forward to get better and challenge one another to fight on every point."
