WEST HAVEN, Conn. – For the first time in 679 days, the New Haven women's volleyball team took to the floor at Charger Gymnasium, defending the home court in a 3-1 victory over American International. With the win, the Chargers move to 7-5 on the year, and 1-0 in conference play.

A trio of players finished with double digit kill totals, highlighted by junior outside Emily Barry's (Freeport, N.Y./Sacred Heart Academy) 16 hammers. Senior outside Jessica Akiona (Kapolei, Hawaii/La Pietra- Hawaii School for Girls) and freshman outside Macy Brown (Cadillac, Mich./Cadillac) threw down 14 kills each, with Brown also adding four services aces to her offensive contributions. Setting up the New Haven offense was freshman Sophia Leon-Tabor (Fort Myers, Fla./Fort Myers) who handed out 48 assists to six different players, in addition to a pair of kills and nine digs.

On defense, sophomore Rilee Jessee (Edinburgh, Ind,/Columbus East) led her side in receptions, amassing 18 digs, one shy of the game high. Barry, Akiona, and Brown all finished with a double-double, having collected at least 10 digs in addition to their efforts on the attack, corralling 14, 15, and 10, respectively. Senior middle Asiya Way (Denver, Colo./Denver East) led all-players at the net, finishing with nine total blocks, a new career-high.

NEXT UP

New Haven will continue its four-game homestand Friday night, welcoming Saint Rose to Charger Gymnasium, with first serve scheduled for 7:00 p.m. This game also helps kickoff a weekend that features six home contests from Friday-Sunday as part of family weekend, including Saturday's football game against Southern Connecticut State in the 2021 installment of the Elm City Rivalry. For a full list of the weekend's games, visit newhavenchargers.com.