Erynn Sweeney Shatters Records in Fordham Volleyball Season Opener
UPDATE: Erynn Sweeney has made a stunning return to Fordham University Volleyball, leading her team to an electrifying victory against Binghamton University on August 29, 2024. In her first match in two years, Sweeney recorded an astonishing 27 kills, breaking the program record for kills in a four-set game, previously held by Whitley Moody.
This remarkable performance comes after a tumultuous season for Fordham, which was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Sweeney, who spent the entire previous season sidelined, stepped onto the court with a determination that electrified her teammates and fans alike. The Rams, despite a tough start to the season, rallied to secure a 15-10 win in the fifth set, showcasing their resilience and Sweeney’s extraordinary skills.
The match, held in upstate New York, saw Sweeney lead the charge with a blistering start, contributing to a commanding 9-1 lead in the first set. “For most of my 12’s year, I could not serve over the net,” Sweeney reflected, highlighting her journey of perseverance and dedication to the sport. Her determination paid off, as she not only recorded the first ace of the season but also delivered a performance that has already placed her among the top players in the nation.
Fordham’s head coach, Ian Choi, praised Sweeney’s resilience, stating, “Erynn has just been an amazing human being to coach… I’m so proud of how she’s responded to the adversity.” Her mindset and work ethic have transformed her into a vital asset for the Rams, especially after being sidelined for an entire season.
As the game progressed, Sweeney continued to shine, with a total of 15 digs and 7 block assists. Her contributions were crucial in both securing leads and maintaining momentum against Binghamton. In a thrilling fourth set, Sweeney’s powerful kills helped the Rams secure a comeback victory, solidifying her status as a key player for the team this season.
Sweeney’s incredible performance not only set a new standard for the program but also placed her at the top of the Atlantic 10 (A-10) conference, ranking T-2nd nationally in kills. “It doesn’t surprise me that an athlete forged in such a unique way to approach difficulty has finally found her footing with this historic performance,” Coach Choi added.
Although Fordham faced losses in their subsequent matches against Lehigh University and the University of Connecticut, Sweeney’s leadership and scoring prowess remain pivotal as the Rams prepare for a busy weekend at the Big Apple Tournament hosted by Columbia University.
With her eye on continued success, Sweeney remains humble, attributing her achievements to teamwork. “It was a good team win,” she stated after the match. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Erynn Sweeney and the Fordham Rams as they strive to build on this promising start.
Stay tuned for more updates as Fordham aims to capitalize on Sweeney’s momentum and navigate the challenges ahead in the highly competitive A-10 conference.
