The Quinnipiac volleyball team defeated in-state rival Fairfield in straight sets on Friday. This marks the first time that Quinnipiac has defeated Fairfield in straight sets in their program’s history, and only the sixth time overall they have defeated the Stags.
“I think the growth is stupendous. I set a standard and they just rise to the occasion,” head coach Kyle Robinson said about the victory.
Early on in the first set, both teams responded to each other and were not able to find much breathing space. The length of Fairfield was a tough test for the Bobcats early on. However, Quinnipiac continued to win long rallies and took a vital first set.
The second set was eerily similar to the first set, with both teams battling it out late into the set. Quinnipiac ended up going on a crucial 4-1 run, with kills from their key attackers, winning the second set 25-21.
The third set included some extensive points, with players from each side maneuvering around to keep points going. Quinnipiac continuously got important points at the right time, calming the team, and keeping the third set steady before eventually completing the sweep and handing Fairfield their first conference loss in the MAAC.
Quinnipiac senior outside hitter Ginevra Giovagnoni had a stellar game, finishing with 15 kills in a well-played start. Her presence on the court showed in multiple ways, not just offensively, but in how she continued to uplift her teammates in her return to the front row.
“I missed being on the front row, but at the same time at the beginning of this week, I was a little bit nervous,but I think it’s where I belong.” Giovagnoni said of her return to the first row.
“I’m proud of her. Coming back from an injury is one of the hardest things as an athlete. I knew she was a great player before, but now it’s just confirmed for everybody,” graduate opposite Elena Giacomini said of Giovagnoni’s performance.
Overall, Quinnipiac won in almost every category on the statsheet, limiting their service errors to three to Fairfield’s seven, and being aggressive at the net, with 43 total kills to Fairfield’s 30. The Bobcats had 49 digs, showing a level of toughness throughout the entire match, and had a boost from their serving with six service aces.
With this win, Quinnipiac moves within one game of Fairfield atop the MAAC standings, but Robinson continues to instill a level of professionalism with his team, wanting them to stay even keel.
“The belief system that we have, we have to sustain it. We are one of the top teams in the MAAC, and we have to act like it. We shouldn’t ever be cocky; we have to remain humble,” Robinson said of his team’s mentality for the next few games.
The Bobcats will be back in action Saturday, Oct. 25, hosting Sacred Heart in Burt Khan Court at 5 p.m.
