The Marist women’s volleyball team moved to a record of 6-8 on the season with a convincing victory over the Manhattan Jaspers on Saturday afternoon. After dropping their opening two matches of conference play, the Red Foxes came back home and provided a dominant display for the Marist faithful.
Marist got off to a quick start, taking the opening set by a score of 25-19. The Red Foxes outscored Manhattan 13-8 in kills, along with creating four service aces in the first.
“Early, we wanted to set the middle a lot more,” said Marist head coach Sean Byron. “We weren’t great at it but instead of going away from it, we told our middle hitters to keep going.”
It was more of the same for the Red Foxes in the second, as they looked to continue playing on the front foot. Manhattan took an early 3-0 advantage in the set, but Marist responded immediately by gaining the lead with a score o f 13-10. Marist would then go on to win the next ten points before taking the set 25-12.
After dominant starts in each of the first two sets, the Red Foxes struggled to begin the third. The Japers gained an early 6-2 lead, forcing a timeout out of coach Bryon.
“Let’s not try to scout them,” said Byron during the timeout. “Just go out and play volleyball.”
After Byron’s timeout speech, Marist would win the next seven points to take a 9-6 lead. But, the Jaspers cut the deficit to one at 11-10 as the Red Foxes began to hit their stride. Marist would go on a 14-8 run, taking the third and final set 25-18.
“We were more physical and we are now starting to kill more balls,” said Byron.
Outside hitter Gabriella Heimbauer was excellent for the Red Foxes on Saturday afternoon. The sophomore from Massapequa, New York led the team with 13 kills, while also contributing 14 points. Setter McKinley Fox was fantastic as well, adding a team-high 35 assists and three service aces.
“I think it will be a good motivator for us coming off this win today,” said Heimbauer.
Marist returns to play on September 26th at 1 p.m., when they face the Iona Gaels (3-7) at the McCann Arena in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Edited by Connor Kurpat
Photo from Marist Athletics