Volleyball tops Villanova in three sets

Box Score (PDF)

MILWAUKEE – Behind a career-high five service aces from senior Caroline Dragani, the No. 17 Marquette University women's volleyball team swept Villanova, 25-16, 25-22, 25-18, on Saturday evening at the Al McGuire Center.

The Golden Eagles (22-2, 13-1 BIG EAST) received a match-high 12 kills from outside hitter Aubrey Hamilton and setter Yadhira Anchante added six kills, 34 assists, 11 digs and a pair of aces. MU had 11 service aces in the sweep, including four from Dragani in a pivotal third set scoring run.

MU trailed 10-6 in the final frame before a Hattie Bray kill put Dragani at the line. The Brookfield native proceeded to serve the next nine points as the Golden Eagles used a 10-0 run for a commanding lead.

Anchante closed the match on her sixth kill of the contest and had three key terminations at the end of the second set to help MU prevail, 25-22. MU led 20-19 in the second and Anchante scored three of MU's next four with kills to push the Golden Eagles to set point.

Villanova (7-19, 3-11 BIG EAST) hit .173 and Rose Crist had a team-best 10 kills.

NOTABLE:

Marquette is 22-4 all-time against Villanova and has won the nine previous matchups dating back to 2017. The Golden Eagles defeated VU in both matchups in 2021, including a sweep at the Al McGuire Center.
VU out-hit MU .229 to .194 in the second set.
MU led throughout the first set, but needed to rebound from early deficits in both the second (five points) and third (four points).

UP NEXT: The Golden Eagles head to the East Coast for matches at Providence and UConn on Saturday, Nov. 12 and Sunday, Nov. 13, respectively.

Keep up with the Marquette University women's volleyball program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteVB) and Instagram (@MarquetteVB) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteVolleyball).