The Northeastern University volleyball team began its season in South Carolina, suffering two defeats in tournament play on August 29 and 30. While the tournament itself did not take place in Aiken, the presence of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks in the competition highlights the state’s role in collegiate athletics, a field where Aiken also participates through institutions like the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers.
Northeastern first faced the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans on August 29, losing in four sets. The Huskies started strong, with senior captain and middle blocker Beatrice Gennari and sophomore vice captain and right side hitter Emma Rowell contributing to an early 1-0 lead. Northeastern built a seven-point advantage before the Spartans rallied. The Huskies managed a three-point run at set point to win the first set 27-25, with a kill from junior outside hitter Brynn Smith and an ace from sophomore setter Sofia King.
The second set was a close contest, with UNCG winning 26-24 after a four-point run. In the third set, neither team held more than a two-point lead until the Spartans pulled ahead 22-18, ultimately winning 25-21. The fourth and final set saw Northeastern fall 25-18, never holding a lead despite tying the score three times.
On August 30, Northeastern played the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, losing in three straight sets. The Gamecocks demonstrated strong net play, recording 14 blocks compared to Northeastern’s one. The first set was the closest, with South Carolina winning 25-22. Freshman outside hitter Cayenne Ceman and sophomore setter Sofia King scored early for Northeastern, but the Gamecocks quickly tied and built an 18-11 lead. Northeastern fought back to cut the lead to 21-19, but it was not enough.
The second set was Northeastern’s lowest-scoring of the weekend, ending 25-14 in favor of the Gamecocks. South Carolina secured a 16-9 lead with a four-point run and maintained control. In the final set, South Carolina scored four straight points to start, though Northeastern tied it at eight. The Gamecocks then took nine of the next 11 points from a 16-15 score to close out the game and the tournament for Northeastern.
Despite the losses, individual performances showed promise. Rowell led Northeastern in kills across both games, placing her third in the conference for kills early in the season. Senior middle blocker Kaylin Daniels, returning from injury, led the team in blocks. Freshman Cayenne Ceman made an immediate impact, ranking second on the team in kills behind Rowell against UNCG. Junior setter Arina Sosinovica led the team in assists throughout the tournament. The Huskies are scheduled to host their own tournament from September 4 to 6.
