THROGGS NECK, N.Y.- The Hunter College women's volleyball team continued its winning ways Thursday evening, earning a 3-0 sweep over SUNY Maritime College in a nonconference matchup at Riesenberg Gymnasium. The victory marked the Hawks' third consecutive win as they moved above .500 for the first time this season.
The Hawks (7-6, 3-0 CUNYAC) faced their toughest test in the opening set, which remained competitive throughout. Hunter recorded 13 kills in the frame while holding Maritime (3-13) to eight. The Purple and Gold maintained control down the stretch to secure a 25-22 victory and take an early advantage in the match.
Hunter found its offensive rhythm in the second set, producing its most efficient performance of the night. The Hawks tallied 14 kills with just four errors for a .294 hitting percentage, pulling away for a 25-16 win to take a commanding 2-0 lead.
The Hawks carried that momentum into the third, holding Maritime to a negative hitting percentage while limiting the hosts to just six kills. Hunter added 11 kills of its own and closed out the match with a 25-15 victory to complete the straight-set sweep.
Michelle Liu and Kassidy Cruz Nuesi led the Hunter attack with 11 kills apiece. Liu delivered an impressive all-around performance, adding a match-high six service aces and seven digs while hitting .214. Cruz Nuesi contributed three digs and a block assist.
Melissa Alfaro was particularly efficient at the net, recording five kills without an error on eight attempts for a match-best .625 hitting percentage. Alfaro also anchored Hunter's blocking effort with four total blocks, including one solo. Marina Goryuk added six kills while hitting .222, and Varvara Kudinova chipped in three kills.
Sofia Marolla directed the offense with a match-high 31 assists while adding seven digs, two kills and two block assists. Maya Cosmo led the defensive effort with a match-high 15 digs, while Natalie Morrill contributed six digs and a service ace.
Hunter finished the evening with 38 kills, 33 assists, 46 digs and nine service aces while hitting .211 as a team. The Hawks held Maritime to a .033 hitting percentage, including a negative mark in the final set.
The squad returns to the court on Oct. 10 for a tri-match at Wilkes University. Hunter will face Catholic University at 1 p.m. followed by the hosting Colonels at 3 p.m.
