Towson Volleyball Swept by Hofstra as Tigers Struggle in CAA Matchup at SECU Arena
By Brian Hradsky
Maryland Sports Blog | November 11, 2026
Final: Hofstra 3, Towson 0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-19)
TOWSON, Md. — The Towson University women’s volleyball team suffered a disappointing three-set defeat against Hofstra on Friday, November 6, at SECU Arena. The Tigers struggled to establish an offensive rhythm against one of the Coastal Athletic Association’s strongest teams, falling 25-14, 25-16 and 25-19. Hofstra controlled much of the match with efficient attacking and decisive scoring runs that prevented Towson from building momentum.
The loss dropped Towson to 14-9 overall and 7-6 in CAA competition, while Hofstra improved to 17-4 and 12-1 in conference play. Despite several competitive stretches, particularly during the third set, the Tigers could not overcome Hofstra’s consistent offensive execution. The Pride finished with a .353 hitting percentage compared with Towson’s .130, highlighting the difference between the two teams.
Hofstra Takes Control in Opening Set
Towson remained competitive during the early stages of the first set, staying within striking distance as both teams exchanged points. Hofstra carried a narrow 15-13 advantage into the media timeout, leaving the Tigers positioned to challenge for the opening set. However, the Pride emerged from the break with a dominant scoring run that completely changed the momentum. Hofstra captured 10 of the next 11 points to secure a convincing 25-14 victory.
That sequence exposed Towson’s difficulty responding when Hofstra increased its offensive pressure. The Tigers needed consistent passing and attacking opportunities to counter the Pride’s momentum, but they could not produce enough consecutive points. Hofstra’s ability to capitalize on its opportunities established the tone for the remainder of the evening.
Second Set Continues Hofstra’s Momentum
The Tigers entered the second set needing a stronger offensive performance to even the match. Instead, Hofstra continued controlling the tempo through aggressive attacking and sustained scoring stretches. The Pride produced runs of seven and four consecutive points, creating a substantial advantage that Towson could not overcome. Hofstra claimed the second set 25-16 and moved within one set of completing the sweep.
Hofstra’s efficiency remained a significant factor throughout the contest, with the Pride hitting above .300 in each of the three sets. Towson struggled to generate the same consistency, particularly when attempting to stop extended scoring runs. The Tigers needed a more productive offensive response to extend the match beyond three sets.
Towson Shows Fight in Third Set
Towson delivered its strongest challenge during the third set, demonstrating improved competitiveness and an opportunity to extend the match. The Tigers established a 17-15 advantage late in the set, putting themselves in position to force a fourth frame. However, Hofstra responded with another decisive scoring surge, winning 10 of the final 12 points. The Pride completed the sweep with a 25-19 victory.
The third-set collapse proved particularly frustrating because Towson had created a legitimate opportunity to change the direction of the contest. The Tigers showed they could compete with Hofstra during individual stretches but struggled to maintain that level of execution. Closing out sets against strong conference opponents remains an important area for improvement.
Towson’s Individual Performances
Addison Leber led Towson’s offensive effort with seven kills, while Malinah Purcell-Telefoni contributed six. Anna Rice and Ava Drye each finished with five kills, giving the Tigers several offensive contributors despite the difficult matchup. However, no Towson player reached double figures in kills as Hofstra consistently limited the Tigers’ attacking production.
Kaitlyn Moran recorded 14 assists, while Peyton Meyer added 10 assists and a team-leading 10 digs. Taylor Pagan and Moran each contributed seven digs, providing additional defensive support. Drye recorded two blocks, and Kayla Zanon registered Towson’s lone service ace.
For Hofstra, Constanza Perez Sain led all players with 11 kills. The Pride recorded at least 14 kills in every set, a mark Towson never reached in any individual frame. That sustained offensive production allowed Hofstra to control the match even when the Tigers briefly gained momentum.
What the Loss Means for Towson
Towson’s defeat highlighted the challenges of competing against a Hofstra program that entered the weekend near the top of the CAA standings. The Pride’s 12-1 conference record following the victory reflected its ability to produce consistent performances against league opponents. Towson, meanwhile, remained above .500 overall but faced a more difficult position in conference competition.
The Tigers demonstrated enough offensive potential to remain competitive during portions of the match, particularly in the third set. However, maintaining consistency across entire sets will be essential as the team approaches the conclusion of its regular-season schedule. Improving attacking efficiency and limiting opponents’ scoring runs should remain priorities.
MSB Take: Tigers Must Improve Their Ability to Finish Sets
Towson’s performance against Hofstra showed the difference between competing with a strong opponent and consistently executing well enough to defeat one. The Tigers remained competitive early in the opening set and built a late advantage in the third, but both opportunities disappeared during extended Hofstra scoring runs. Those stretches ultimately determined the outcome of the match.
The third set provided the clearest example of what Towson must improve. Holding a 17-15 lead represented a legitimate opportunity to extend the contest, but surrendering 10 of the final 12 points eliminated that possibility. Against a team with Hofstra’s offensive efficiency, Towson cannot afford prolonged scoring droughts.
The Tigers have demonstrated throughout the season that they possess capable offensive contributors and experienced players who can produce meaningful performances. Leber, Purcell-Telefoni, Rice and Drye give Towson multiple attacking options, while Moran and Meyer help facilitate the offense. The challenge is translating those individual contributions into sustained team production against high-level conference competition.
Looking Ahead
Following Friday’s defeat, Towson was scheduled to host Hofstra again on Saturday, November 7, at 3 p.m. The program also planned to recognize its senior class during a pre-match ceremony at approximately 2:45 p.m. The second meeting offered the Tigers an immediate opportunity to respond to the opening loss and improve their performance against one of the conference’s leading teams.
For Towson, the priority moving forward is establishing greater offensive consistency and reducing the extended scoring runs that proved costly Friday. The Tigers have shown they can challenge strong opponents, but finishing sets will determine how successfully they navigate the remainder of their conference schedule.
