he Seton Hall volleyball team defeated Connecticut 3-2 on Senior Day to clinch a spot in the BIG EAST tournament for the third straight season.
Seton Hall overcame an early lead by the Huskies to win the first set 25-22, led by five kills from senior opposite hitter Meghan Matusiak. The Pirates led midway through the second set, but Connecticut was able to come back and win it 25-22 to tie the match at a set apiece heading into the break.
In the third set, Seton Hall led 15-10 after a kill by senior middle blocker Meghan Bonk. A few points later, a service ace by Matusiak helped the Pirates win the set 25-20 to take a two sets to one lead.
But Connecticut would not go quietly in the fourth set. Trailing 16-10 in the set, the Huskies finished on a 15-6 run to win the set and send it to a decisive fifth set.
Matusiak led the way in the final set, recording five more kills as the Pirates prevailed 15-12 for the three sets to two win.
Matusiak led Seton Hall with a career high 27 kills. Fellow seniors Bonk and middle backer Krissy Wrobel recorded eight kills apiece. Mattison Quayle led the Huskies with 18 kills
A post-match ceremony was held to honor seniors Bonk, Matusiak and Wrobel.
The Pirates finished the regular season at 17-12 overall and 8-6 in BIG EAST play. They will be the six seed in the BIG EAST Championship and face the number three seed and the host school Marquette in the quarterfinals on Friday November 18 at 7 p.m.
The Pirates dropped their regular season matchup on the road to the Golden Eagles, 3-2 on October 21.
