Hempstead, NY – On a night that Hofstra University recognized the 2014 Hofstra Volleyball team with a banner commemorating their NCAA Tournament appearance and Colonial Athletic Association title, the 2015 team continued its strong season with a sweep of Hartford on Saturday night at the David S. Mack Physical Education Center. 

The win concluded play at the Hofstra/Asics Invitational and the Pride captured the tournament title with wins over Princeton, Florida Gulf Coast and the Hawks. Set scores were 25-13, 25-14 and 25-12 in favor of the Pride. 

Freshman middle blocker/right side Natalie Brooker got the first extended playing time of her young career and responded with seven kills on nine attempts and only one error for a .667 attack percentage. 

Freshman middle blocker Michela Rucli continued her strong rookie campaign with a match-high 11 kills in the contest. 

For Hofstra it was the squad's fourth straight victory and improved the team's record to 8-4 this season. Hartford dropped to 0-10 with the loss. 

Hofstra was outstanding offensively the entire contest as the Pride had a .429 attack percentage in the match, including a spectacular .464 in the first set with 17 kills on 28 attempts and only four errors. 

The quality offense, combined with tremendous defense, allowed the Pride to make quick work of their former conference rivals. Hofstra held Hartford to a .027 hitting percentage and the Hawks hit .000 in the second set. 

Junior setter Hannah Klemm tallied 34 assist for the Pride, while senior libero Corrina Delgadillo notched 17 digs in the match. 

Paulina Modestow had nine digs and four kills for Hartford and Erinn Lavelle picked up nine digs for the Hawks. 

Hofstra returns to action next weekend when it takes part in the Deacon Classic at Wake Forest. The Pride will face former CAA rival Virginia Commonwealth on Friday before taking on Georgia and Wake Forest on Saturday. 

Hofstra/Asics Invitational All-Tournament Team
Paola Llerandi, Hartford
Kendall Peterkin, Princeton
Eleonora Kazarian, Florida Gulf Coast
Amanda Carroll, Florida Gulf Coast
Leticia Valente, Hofstra
MVP: Hannah Klemm, Hofstra

Final Standings
Champion: Hofstra University
Second Place: Florida Gulf Coast University
Third Place: Princeton University
Fourth Place: University of Hartford

NOTES
- Hofstra is now 20-0 all-time against its former America East rival Hartford. It was the first meeting since a 3-0 Pride sweep in 2006. 
- Hofstra is now 3-1 in three-set matches this season. 
- This marks the fifth straight year Hofstra has won an inseason tournament it has hosted.