What a start for the Rams! The Fordham volleyball team headed to the University of North Carolina-Wilmington (UNCW) for the Hampton Inn University Invitational and the Big Apple Tournament and crushed their opposition by going 3-0 and 2-0 in their respective tournaments. This included big wins against Stetson University and Columbia University, making for an exciting start to the season.
Looking back at their first tournament, the team was able to take down Presbyterian College, led by senior Whitley Moody’s team-leading 17 kills along with freshman Whitney Woodrow’s double-double of 50 assists and 13 digs. It was a strong 3-1 victory, and the momentum continued into their next game against Stetson, where tournament MVP Moody continued to shine with her 19 kills, 18 digs and two aces. Graduate students Nailah Jenkins and Mallory Lipski also shined and were named among the tournament’s best players.
Onto the Big Apple Tournament, where the Rams spoiled Columbia’s season opener with their 3-0 defeat on Friday. Standouts included Moody, sophomore Audrey Brown, Woodrow and Jenkins.
Head coach Ian Choi explained Fordham’s big key to success but acknowledged Columbia’s ability to disrupt the team’s discipline. He said after the match, “Nine times out of ten, when our team has that conviction, we come out on top.”
This year’s team is really playing hard and showing out for coach Choi, and it is easy to see why when he explains, “They reflected in the trust they hold in themselves, in each other and in the coaches.” In this match, the Lions attempted multiple comebacks, but all were squashed quickly by Fordham’s quick decision-making and resolve. After Columbia, they played against Quinnipiac University, handedly taking them down 3-1 led by two double-doubles from both Moody and Woodrow. Moody had 17 kills and 11 digs, while Woodrow provided 16 digs and 41 assists. The Rams controlled the match throughout, being able to securely put away the Bobcats in efficient fashion.
The team has one more tournament before Atlantic 10 conference play and the Rose Hill Classic. Next weekend, they will play in the Iona Invitational, facing off with Iona College, Long Island University and Boston College. Fordham will look to keep the ball rolling and continue their best start in recent memory.
