Maybe it was destiny that on Senior Night, AU faced the team that handed AU its first-ever Patriot League loss.
Playing like every point was their last, the Eagles (22-8, 13-1 PL) avenged their earlier loss to Army (19-5, 10-3) with a clean 3-0 sweep (30-22, 30-25, and 30-22) Saturday night in front of a thunderous crowd at Bender Arena.
"I'm so thrilled," said senior defensive specialist Jennifer Cosco afterward. "It was real special to win this game on senior night. I don't think I would have been as excited for this if we hadn't lost the earlier game."
The win clinched the Eagles fifth straight regular season Patriot League title, and ensured they'd host a fifth-straight Patriot League tournament.
"We love it here at Bender Arena," said coach Barry Goldberg. "In my 17 years here I don't think I've lost more than two matches at home."
In the teams' first match, AU was swept 3-0. The difference between the first match-up and the second, said some, was all about confidence.
"Army is clearly the second best team in the league," Cosco said. "In the first game Army came out with confidence. Our young players were still learning to get that mental edge."
Added Goldberg: "In the first game we came out tentative and didn't control the ball well. The setters were the difference tonight. We won the serve and pass game also."
From the opening point, each team exerted tremendous energy. Point after point showcased venomous attacks and sublime digs.
But it was the Eagles who made able the most of their opportunities and make the fewest mistakes in the match.
Overall AU had a .320 shooting percentage compared to Army's .155. The Eagles only made 14 errors out 97 total attacks. AU also had eight service aces, five by junior Elizabeth Maloney.
Leading in kills for AU were senior Cuttrina Biddulph with 12 and freshman Rubena Sukaj with 11. Freshman Christina Nash led team in assists with 21. Jennifer led the team in digs with 10.
Before the Army match, AU cruised past Holy Cross (6-18, 2-10) with a 3-0 sweep (30-17, 30-22, and 30-16) at Bender Arena Friday night.
Elizabeth Maloney had 15 kills and a .684 shooting percentage on the night and Rubena Sukaj who also added 15 kills along with three aces. Christina Nash had a career-high 41 assists.
Next up for the Eagles is a Tuesday night non-conference game on the road against George Washington. Following that, they will play host to the Patriot League tournament hoping to clinch their fifth straight Patriot League title.
No, the Eagles are no longer unbeatable in the PL. When asked about the Eagles chances for a five-peat, AU has no reason to be pessimistic.
"We're very confident being at home," said Cosco.
