New Haven hosted the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks on Tuesday. Despite a strong start from the Chargers, the Sharks came out on top, 3-1.
The first set was a back-and-forth battle between New Haven and LIU, with both teams taking the lead multiple times throughout the set. The teams were tied at 20, with New Haven holding a one-point lead until the final two points. Graduate middle back Naliah Grannell secured the victory for the Chargers with a final kill to end the first set at 25-23.
The second set started hot for the Chargers, as they went on a five-point run early in the set to take a four-point lead over the Sharks. However, LIU fought back and scored 14 consecutive points, leaving little room for New Haven to come back. The Chargers couldn’t keep up and lost the second set 25-13.
The third set held the same pattern as the first, with both teams battling back-and-forth for the lead. Despite the fight from New Haven, the Sharks held a short lead for the majority of the set. Ahead by two, LIU finalized the victory of set three after a kill from Sara Gisteren left the score at 25-22.
New Haven entered the fourth set with their final chance to make a comeback. It looked good for the Chargers, who held the lead for most of the set. It was a nail-biting finish to the match, with both teams tied at 25. Unfortunately for New Haven, a kill and a service ace from the Sharks finalized the score at 27-25, securing the match loss for the Chargers.
New Haven had 46 total kills on the night, with opposite side Lauren MacKellar leading with 12. Outside hitter Kassidi Avent followed with 10, and right side Victoria Trunkl added nine. Setter Caroline Johnston recorded 17 assists for the Chargers, with Juli DeAcharan close behind with 16.
The Chargers also had two weekend matches against the Saint Francis University Red Flash on Friday and Saturday. New Haven lost 3-1 on Friday, and MacKellar led the team with 16 kills and four blocks. Trunkl added 10 kills and a service ace, and Grannell had six kills and four blocks. De Acharan had 22 assists and libero Payton Malinoski had 14 digs.
The Chargers lost 3-0 on Saturday, with MacKellar leading once again with 12 kills and a block. Right side Jordan Northcutt had five kills and two blocks, and Grannell had three blocks and two kills.
New Haven now has an overall record of 2-13 and 1-6 in conference play. The Chargers are back in action on Tuesday when they travel to face the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) University Highlanders. The non-conference game will be held in Newark, NJ and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
