WASHINGTON, D.C. – American hosted the Lafayette volleyball team on Saturday afternoon, which concluded in American posting its 14^th win (25-18, 25-14, 25-20) of the 2024 campaign.

The first eight points of the match were split evenly, but the hosts quickly found an 8-5 lead after Zedo Yilmaz and Adelina Berisha recorded kills. The Leopards trailed 11-8 before sophomore outside hitter, Emma Patmon, tied the game (11-11) with a kill and back-to-back service aces. American answered with its own 6-1 run, providing some breathing room (17-12). Yilmaz (4) and Sofia Osterdahl (5) combined for nine kills in the first set, guiding the hosts to a 25-18 win.

Attack errors and blocks were key difference makers in the second set of action. The Eagles tallied six-less attack errors (9-3), while also recording three more blocks than the Leopards (3-0) in the second period. Yilmaz continued to be the main offensive threat for American, hitting for .333 and 4 kills on the way to a 25-14 second set victory.

The final set featured six tie scores, but it was the hosts who edged the final period 25-20. Lafayette's defense was rolling in the third period, with junior Abby Nicholson leading the way with three block assists. Despite the Leopards grabbing a 7-5 lead, Yilmaz (6) and Osterdahl (4) kept finding their spots, combining for 10 kills in the third set. American hit for .202 on the outing to gather its 14^th victory of the season.

Lafayette returns to Kirby Sports Center at 7 p.m. next Friday as it invites Army to Easton.
 

To keep up with the Lafayette volleyball team, follow its social media pages.

X/@LafColVBall | Instagram/@lafayette_vb | Facebook/GoLeopards