DeKALB – NIU Volleyball (0-2) dropped a close one to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers (2-1), losing in 5 sets in the second game of its 2024 campaign.
INEFFICIENT OFFENSE
NIU’s aggression was on display once again as they attempted 199 attacks against the Panthers.
The Huskies’ offense lacked efficiency. Of their 199 attacks, the team only converted 57 kills for a hit rate of .141, compared to Milwaukee’s hit rate of .213.
When asked how she’ll look for her team to improve their efficiency, NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore stated the emphasis will be on filling the holes across the court and making sure her players can be on and in rhythm together.
“I think that’s gonna be an area of our game that sometimes it’s going to be one or two people that have a good night and then how do you fill the holes for maybe another position that’s not scoring,” D’Amore said. “If you can get everybody, even if it’s just one or two of each position on, then it’s going to be a lot harder for teams to defend us. So that’s going to be a focus for us this week.”
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES
Junior outside hitter Nazli Güvener was a standout performer against the Panthers. She was second on the team in attacks with 46 en route to scoring a career high 21 kills, surpassing her previous high of 18 versus St. Thomas in September 2023.
When asked about her attack mindset, Güvener gave credit to her teammates, especially her setters.
“Always communicating with the setters and my teammates are helping me too if I get blocked,” Güvener said. “They cover me, transition, again.”
Senior setter Sophie Hurt also shined, putting up her third career double-double with 20 assists and 11 digs. She also scored a career high 4 service aces, eclipsing her previous mark of 3 which she has hit twice, last in November of 2022 against Eastern Michigan University.
Hurt also gave credit to her teammates for putting her in strong positions to succeed.
“I’m grateful for my teammates. They’re putting me in great situations,” Hurt said. “It’s a group effort. It’s not just me, so I’m really proud of us tonight.”
Freshman setter Ella Strausberger and freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed were also impressive, notching a double-double each.
UP NEXT
The Huskies look to get their first win of the season at 4 p.m. Thursday on the road against Valparaiso University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Live stats will be found on SIDEARM Stats.
Valparaiso is the first of seven road games in a row.
“I’m not worried about going on the road,” D’Amore said. “They’re getting better and better every time we step out there, and I have no doubt that no matter where we are, that’s what we’re gonna get.”
