NORFOLK, Va. --
Farrah Eike recorded 17 kills, but her offense was not enough for the Navy (1-6) volleyball team in a close 29-27, 25-21, 25-21 loss to Old Dominion (3-4), Friday night at the ODU Volleyball Center in Norfolk, Va.
"We ran into a team that was really in the zone tonight," said Navy head coach
Paco Labrador. "There is really no other way to describe the match. We played our hearts out and tried everything we could, but Old Dominion was on another level tonight.
"Farrah was incredible. She had the perfect mix of big swings and savvy shots."
Set One
The first set included 10 ties and 6 lead changes. Navy held 20-17 and 21-18 leads only to see Old Dominion take a 22-21 advantage. Back-to-back points for the Mids gave them a 23-22 lead, then the Monarchs tied the score at 23-23 and scored again on a kill to reach set point at 24-23. The teams traded the ensuing eight points, which included the Mids erasing four set points by the Monarchs. Old Dominion eventually converted on its fifth serve to win the set with a kill.
Set Two
Navy held a 14-11 lead and seemingly took a 15-11 lead on an Old Dominion attack error. However, the Monarchs challenged the call and the result was overturned on a touch by the Mids which made the score 14-12. That was the first of eight-straight points for ODU that gave it a 19-14 lead. The Mids were able to close to within three points at 20-17 and 21-18, but could not pull any closer.
Set Three
The score was tied 11 times, including at 18, 19 and 20. A sideout by Old Dominion started a 3-0 run that gave it a 23-20 lead. A service error gave the serve to the Mids, but a kill by the Monarchs took them to match point, which they converted on a block.
Statistical Summary
Navy's offense posted 38 kills and a .256 hitting percentage, but its defense gave up 51 kills and a .415 hitting night to Old Dominion. The Mids finished with more aces, 8-5, and fewer service errors, 9-7, but also were narrowly edged in blocks, 5-3.
Eike accounted for 17 of Navy's 39 kills and she also added a .325 hitting percentage with just four errors on 40 attempts.
Setter
Isa Boyd recorded another double-double with 16 assists and a team-high 12 digs, with fellow setter
Caroline Adams dishing out 13 assists and dropping in four aces.
"If you were to tell me that we would have three hitters hitting over .300 for a match (
Caroline Buffum, .357;
Avery Maddux, .333), I would think that's a win for us," said Labrador. "We are a really good team and these matches are hard, but I am certain these will pay dividends as the season progresses."
Up Next
Navy remains in Norfolk overnight for a 2 p.m. match Saturday against UMES.
