Elon, NC – Sophomore Laura Masciullo had 20 kills and a season-high 17 digs but the Hofstra Volleyball team was unable to overcome a two sets to none deficit as they fell in five sets to Elon on Friday evening at Alumni Gym. Sophomore Luisa Sydlik added 49 assists and 16 digs as she captured her team-leading eighth double-double of the season with Masciullo picking up her sixth. 

The loss drops Hofstra's record to 15-12 overall and 7-6 in Colonial Athletic Association play. Elon improved to 15-13 and 4-9 in the league. Set scores were 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 16-25 and 15-12 in favor of the Phoenix. 

Elon took the early 2-0 lead in the match as they hit at a .342 clip in the opening set to take the advantage. After pushing the lead to two sets to none, Hofstra rebounded and held the Phoenix to a negative hitting percentage in the third set before hitting .300 in the fourth stanza to send the contest to a decisive final set. In the fifth set, the Pride battled back from a 10-6 deficit to knot the score at 10 but the Phoenix scored the final three points in the set to earn the win. Sydney Busa totaled 16 kills and 19 digs for Elon in the match. 

Hofstra returns to action on Sunday when it travels to William & Mary for a 1 p.m. contest. 

NOTES
- Hofstra is now 7-1 all-time against Elon. 
- Junior Michela Rucli added 10 kills for Hofstra as she was the other member of the Pride in double figures. 
- Freshman Ivania Ortiz totaled a season-high 20 digs for the Pride. She previously had 16 at UNCW on October 22.
- Masciullo's previous season-high in digs was 12 against Northeastern on October 15.