Fordham participated in the 2023 Iona Volleyball Tournament in New Rochelle this past week.
They played in three matches against Iona University, Long Island University and the Atlantic Coast Conference’s (ACC) Boston College.
The Rams were able to find success early in their first match against the tournament’s titular squad in the Iona University Gaels. They were able to again be a strong defensive team, led by sophomore Zoe Talabong and freshman Whitney Woodrow having double-doubles. However, it was senior Whitley Moody who was able to solidify the victory in the first set with her two kills to close out the first set by a score of 25-19. In the next two sets, both teams would trade points, each going on their own runs respectively. In the end, it was Fordham that came out on top on both occasions, clearing the last two sets with scores of 25-17 and 25-15.
Next, the Rams took on the Long Island University Sharks. Fordham again started off with a first set 25-14 victory but struggled in the second as they fell in the close 25-21 next set. Their strong defense let up a bit, allowing for a large LIU run. However, they responded effectively in the third, dominating 25-13 before winning in a nail-biting 25-23 4th set. In this match, Moody racked up her 1,000th kill, an incredible milestone for one of the program’s best.
Coming into the next match against Boston College, the Rams entered on a seven-game winning streak, something wildly impressive for a Fordham team that has struggled in years past putting together consistent wins. Unfortunately, the team was unable to get the job done but played a close-fought match against BC, despite the 3-0 loss. The first two sets began with 25-19 losses, with the third ending 25-22. Despite their best efforts, the Rams fell just short each time.
The team will look to move forward from the loss, as they enter into the Rose Hill Classic this weekend before moving into conference play.
In the Rose Hill Classic, Fordham will go up against Ivy Leaguers Dartmouth College on Friday before playing Fairleigh Dickinson University on Sunday.
It will surely be an entertaining matchup and exciting to see if the Rams can keep up their strong play.
