Indianapolis, IND — The Butler Bulldogs women’s volleyball team delivered a commanding performance on Friday night, sweeping the Seton Hall Pirates 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-17) at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The decisive BIG EAST victory not only improved the Bulldogs’ record to 10-12 overall (3-6 BIG EAST) but also marked a significant milestone for Head Coach Kyle Shondell, who collected his 100th career collegiate women’s volleyball victory. The Pirates, meanwhile, continued their conference search, dropping to 6-14 overall and 0-9 in the BIG EAST.

➡️  Butler v Seton Hall photos

The opening set proved to be the most competitive of the evening. Butler established an early 11-6 lead, powered by back-to-back service aces from Alaleh Tolliver and a kill from Maria Nix. Despite Butler extending the margin to 17-9, Seton Hall refused to yield, mounting a determined 7-1 rally to pull within two points at 20-18. The Pirates even narrowed the gap to 23-22 before the Bulldogs managed to close out the set, 25-22, demonstrating their ability to handle late-set pressure.

Following the tight first frame, Butler’s defense clamped down, asserting control in the middle and final sets. The Bulldogs’ front line was particularly effective, holding Seton Hall to negative attacking percentages in both the second and third sets, culminating in a dismal .000 hitting percentage for the Pirates overall. The Bulldogs quickly took command of the second set, jumping out to a 9-2 lead and never looking back, winning easily 25-15. In the third, after a brief 5-4 Pirate lead, Butler again went on a run, closing the match with five consecutive points to seal the 25-17 victory.

Offensively, Butler’s Alaleh Tolliver was the catalyst, leading the team with 9 kills and serving up a match-high 4 aces. Middle hitter Maria Nix was highly efficient, posting 6 kills on an outstanding .667 hitting percentage. The Bulldogs’ defensive effort was anchored by Lauren Evans, who tallied 11 digs, and a dominant blocking presence led by Ellery Rees (7 blocks) and Sawyer Jones (6 blocks). Despite a match-high 9 kills from Seton Hall’s Sadie Reich, the Pirates could not overcome Butler’s stifling defense and superior execution at the net.

The victory marks a key conference win for Butler as they continue their push in the BIG EAST standings and celebrate a significant coaching milestone. The Bulldogs finished the match with superior statistics in hitting percentage (.167 to .000), aces (8 to 3), and blocks (10.0 to 6.0), confirming their command on the court.