NIU volleyball (0-3) tripped up again in its third outing of the season Thursday, losing to the Valparaiso University Beacons (1-3). This was the first of a seven road game stretch and was the second game in a row where the Huskies fell in 5 sets.
INABILITY TO CLOSE
NIU dropped the final frame 15-11.
When asked about her team’s ability to close in tight game situations, NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore talked about how the team can improve.
“We have to continue to spread our offense and make it less predictable for teams to defend,” D’Amore said, “Once teams figure that out they are capitalizing on it at the end of matches. Our serve and pass game is also an area of improvement in fifth sets so we can diversify the offense.”
THE UPSIDE
The Huskies hit at a rate of .142, which was higher than Valapariso who posted a .126 hit rate.
The team also stayed composed, bringing the game to the fifth set after falling down 2-1. The fourth set saw the Huskies close out the frame 26-24 to stay alive. It was also their second most efficient set as they scored at a .245 rate.
D’Amore emphasized her team’s composure and confidence in the clutch.
“The team has a lot more composure and confidence in big moments and that’s something we can continue to build on, especially in fifth sets,” D’Amore said. “They battled hard at the end of each set and that was a focus this week in practice.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Senior setter Sophie Hurt posted her second consecutive double-double, including a career high of 29 assists. This eclipses her previous high of 28 which she set against Bowling Green State University in September 2023.
Junior outside hitter Nazli Güvener was also efficient, leading the team in kills with 15 on a hit rate of .222.
Senior libero Crew Hoffmeier was another standout performer, posting 29 digs to go along with four assists. She also notched one kill, her first of the season and of her NIU career.
UP NEXT
NIU will continue their road stretch at 4 p.m. Friday in St. Paul, Minnesota, against Tarleton State University. Live stats can be found on SIDEARM Sports.
