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Fairfield flourishes in 5
Trojans rally back to knock off Burlington in SEC thriller
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FAIRFIELD - The Fairfield volleyball team was two points away from taking a tough home loss on Thursday night against Burlington, but the Trojans proved they could play their best when their backs were against the wall.
Fairfield rallied back from 2-1 down in sets and a 23-20 deficit in the fourth to score a thrilling Southeast Conference victory, handing the Grayhounds their first league loss in five sets (20-25, 25-22, 20-25, 26-24, 16-14).
“It was an emotional roller-coaster, but those guys stayed with it,” said Fairfield head coach Vicki Rebling. “They mentally stayed within themselves. They believed that they could, and they did.”
The Trojans had at one point led 7-1 in the fourth set, and then pushed that lead all the way up to nine, but Burlington started a furious come back to get two points away from the win at 23-20. Fairfield punched back by scoring the next three points, and five of the next six.
“It was just kind of trusting our teammates,” said Trojan junior Leah Helmick, who led the team with 20 kills. “Trusting that they could put the ball down and get points.”
Fairfield jumped out to an early lead in the fifth, but once again, Burlington battled back to send it right down to the wire. Helmick had an athletic kill to make it 13-11 Trojans, but Burlington scored three of the next four points to tie it at 14-14.
The Grayhounds served the next ball into the net, and then sent a spike attempt into the net on the very next point.
“I was in shock there for a second, because the ball hit me in the face,” said junior Jaden Haynes, who collected seven kills and a couple of big blocks. “I looked at the score, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, we won.’”
The celebration was on and the Trojans could soak in their second-straight SEC home win.
Helmick’s 20 kills led the way, but Natalie Steele had a big night as well, with 15. Elyse Setterstrom finished with 10, and Maddy Martin had nine.
Isabel McCready finished the night with 24 digs to lead the team. Iris Lane and Mallory Wigle were close behind with 23 and 19 respectively.
Faith Jones dished out 52 assists in the win. She also collected 18 digs and three kills.
Fairfield is now 10-6 overall and 2-1 in the conference, having a road loss to Washington sandwiched between home wins against Fort Madison and Burlington.
The Trojans will be at home again on Thursday night, when they host Williamsburg.
