Coming off of a five-game losing streak, the Huskies dug deep in the Dig Pink Game honoring head coach and cancer survivor Lenika Vazquez with a victory against Stony Brook.
Adorning their special white and pink uniforms to promote breast cancer awareness, Northeastern took down the Seawolves 3-2 in a competitive five-set match and improved their record to 8-12. In a strong defensive display with 100 hard-fought digs, the Huskies held Stony Brook to a .166 Hit Percentage, well below their season average of .209.
The Dig Pink game, held annually, is designed to raise awareness and provide support for those battling breast cancer. The victory today felt much more impactful for the Huskies than a traditional win on their schedule, after Vazquez won her battle against cancer in 2022.
“I did have some moments today where I was watching my team play and I felt this sense of pride,” Vazquez said “They’re working so hard and they poured their heart out there today. It was really awesome to see.”
The team felt especially motivated today to bring home the victory to honor not only their coach, but for everyone suffering from breast cancer.
“Obviously we are motivated for every game but today we were playing for the people who can’t play, the people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Brynn Smith, a freshman outside hitter. “It really was really special to be able to come out and fight. In the locker room we said the theme for today is fight. Fight to play hard. Fight to win. But also fight for those who can’t play because of breast cancer.”
The Huskies and Seawolves started off in a battle, with a score of 12-16 with five lead changes coming midway through the first. Northeastern then went on a run, starting off with a five point rally led by three Freshman Jane Nelson kills. The Huskies never looked back from here on, winning the first set 25-22.
Smith led Northeastern with 18 kills on the game, with four kills and two blocks coming in the first set alone.
“Seeing our freshmen step up and sort of believe in themselves and have that confidence has been pretty huge,” said Vazquez. “I think that that showed today out of Brynn and Jane.”
Stony Brook bounced back strong in the second set. In a team effort led by Graduate Student Abby Campbell’s five kills, the Seawolves won the second set 25-15.
It was at that point when the defense came alive, led by Graduate Student Millie Loehr. With four kills and a game-high 26 digs as a team, the Huskies bounced back and took the third set 25-15.
“Sahitya [Krishnamurthy] was digging balls like crazy back there,” said Vazquez. “And we needed it during those long rallies. It was pretty awesome to see her in that position.”
The Seawolves, however, weren’t ready to give up just yet, and behind a motivated Junior Kali Moore’s ace and nine kills, they were able to take back the fourth set 25-20.
After a shaky few sets, the fifth set was taken over once again by Brynn Smith.
“At the end of the third and fourth set I was pretty frustrated cause I felt like I wasn’t terminating as well as I should be,” said Smith. “But in the fifth set, I just thought about how this is a team sport. And my teammates are here for me. And people believe in me. So as long I am leaning on them, that will get me where I need to be.”
Smith led the Huskies to a dominating finish, with five of the eight kills in the final setting coming from her. Her individual play, as well as a eight strong team assists, enabled the huskies to take the final set 15-9 and emerge with the victory.