NEW YORK, N.Y.- Behind a commanding performance from the service line, the Hunter College women's volleyball team overwhelmed Medgar Evers College on Thursday evening, recording a season-high 36 aces en route to a 3-0 sweep at the Hunter College Sportsplex. Despite serving as the visiting team, the Hawks took full advantage of the familiar surroundings, securing their fifth consecutive City University of New York Athletic Conference victory.
The Hawks (10-8, 5-0 CUNYAC) controlled the match from the opening serve against Medgar Evers (0-15, 0-4 CUNYAC), taking the first set, 25-5. Hunter maintained its momentum in the second, holding the Cougars scoreless in a 25-0 victory while hitting an impressive .667 without an attack error. The Purple and Gold closed out the sweep with a 25-7 win in the third, completing one of their most commanding performances of the season.
Nicole Tatko led the way with a standout performance from the service line, recording 20 aces while directing the offense with a match-high 16 assists. Natalie Morrill followed with six aces and two kills, while Michelle Liu added five aces and two kills in limited action.
Varvara Kudinova paced the Hunter attack with a match-high five kills on seven attempts for a .571 hitting percentage. Melissa Alfaro and Astrid Alayo each contributed three kills without an error on six attempts, while Kassidy Cruz Nuesi and Ekaterini Eilodromytis added two kills apiece.
Hunter's balanced attack featured contributions throughout the lineup, with nine players recording at least one kill or service ace. The Hawks finished the evening with 19 kills and just three attack errors on 33 attempts, hitting a season-best .485 as a team. Defensively, Hunter limited Medgar Evers to just one kill and a negative hitting percentage of -.480.
Hunter returns to action on Oct. 24 for a nonconference match at Montclair State. First serve is set for noon.
