Northeastern volleyball snaps 8-game losing streak with Hampton sweep

The Northeastern volleyball team defeated the Hampton University Pirates in straight sets on Oct. 30 and 31. These victories ended an eight-game losing streak for the Huskies. It was also the first time the team won on the road this season. Their previous win came on Sept. 26.

Northeastern, which holds a 6-16 overall record and a 4-10 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association, faced a Hampton squad that stands at 2-20 overall and 0-12 in conference play. The Huskies needed the wins to improve their standing in the CAA standings.

Junior setter Gabby Reeves led the team with 17 assists across the two matches. Redshirt sophomore outside hitter Valentina Meirelles contributed 13 kills and five blocks. Sophomore libero Aven Crosby recorded 14 digs, while junior middle blocker Zehra Yilmaz served three aces.

The first match on Oct. 30 began with Hampton taking a 14-5 lead. Northeastern closed the gap to one point with a six-point run, but Hampton secured nine of the next 14 points to take the opening set.

The Huskies jumped to a 5-1 lead in the second set. Hampton answered with a seven-point run to take the lead, but Northeastern won eight of the next 10 points. A Hampton error gave the Huskies the set.

Northeastern dominated the third set, taking 20 of the first 24 points. Hampton scored eight of the next 11 to reach 23-12, but the deficit proved too large to overcome. Sophomore right side hitter Emma Rowell and Meirelles finished the set with back-to-back kills for a 25-12 victory.

The fourth set was closely contested, with the teams trading the lead six times. Hampton held a 23-22 lead late in the set. Rowell recorded a kill, Yilmaz served an ace, and a Hampton error secured the match for Northeastern.

The second match took place on Halloween. Hampton won the opening set, 30-28, after the teams played to extra points. The Pirates led 14-9 in the second set, but Northeastern scored five straight points to tie the game. The Huskies then won 10 of the next 14 points. Freshman outside hitter Cayenne Ceman recorded the final kill to end the set.

Northeastern tied the third set at 14 after Hampton took an early lead. The Huskies then won four of the next five points to take the set, 25-21. They dominated the final set, leading 23-16. Hampton scored four straight points to stay in the game, but a kill and an ace by Northeastern won the match and completed the sweep.

This win marked only the second time this season that the Huskies won consecutive matches. The team will host the William & Mary Tribe on Nov. 14 and 15. William & Mary currently has a 7-14 overall record and a 3-9 CAA record.