The Quinnipiac Bobcats were victorious back on Burt Kahn Court, defeating the Siena Saints in a five set thriller.
The crowd was treated to some high flying spikes, back and forth rallies and some excellent serving from both teams.
Although the Bobcats were able to secure their 15th win of the season, head coach Kyle Robinson understands that his team did not play at their best.
“We didn’t play a good match, let’s just call it what it is, but I really did like the maturity I just saw in the locker room. I think that is my favorite part of today.” Robinson said.
Quinnipiac was able to get some early points in the first set, but the Siena defense at the net created problems for the Bobcats offensively. Consistent blocks and kills of their own led to Siena taking the first set 26-24
The Bobcats were able to regroup and play their style of volleyball in the second set, with some soft touches, mixed in with powerful spikes, helping them take the set 25-16 and evening up the score at one.
Quinnipiac was able to pick up from where it left off, having some well timed blocks of its own and kept many points alive, winning the set comfortably 25-13.
However, Siena would not go down without a fight and continued to battle with the Bobcats, with help from senior outside hitter Sara Wagner, and sophomore right side hitter Doga Diraz providing some attack, with 14 and 9 kills respectively in the match. They were able to capitalize on Quinnipiac’s mistakes and created havoc at the net to take the set 25-18, forcing a fifth set.
With little room for error, Quinnipiac was able to dig deep and find that extra effort to give them the final set 15-12 and secure a hard fought victory.
Junior outside hitter Yagmur Gunes, sophomore outside hitter Leilani-kai Giusta and graduate opposite Elena Giacomini each finished with a double-double for the Bobcats, each having double digit kills and digs.
“That’s just how clunky it was out there today. It’s good for us for sure to have some balance.” Robinson said.
Throughout the entire match, the Quinnipiac fans were loud and engaged, supporting their team, even in the tough moments of the game where the Bobcats were having to come back from behind.
“I love our fans. I’m optimistic of the day where we are packing Burt Kahn Court, to where it’s like standing room only, and people are like losing their minds. The people that show up to our games, I generally know they are having a good time.” Robinson said.
“I love playing at home, we all love playing at home, because when we go to these other gyms, it’s silent. So when we’re here and we get to have that energy, we love to take advantage of it, especially in tighter matches like this.” junior middle blocker Bailey Brashear said.
Quinnipiac will close out their weekend home slate against the Marist Red Foxes on November 10th. The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
