NIU volleyball (1-3) made its first mark in the win column Friday, winning against the Tarleton State Texans (0-5) in five sets.
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
NIU found themselves fighting from behind in this game, dropping the first set against the Texans 12-25.
The Huskies battled back to take the second set, but slipped in the third to find themselves down 2-1 heading into set number four.
NIU put up an efficient 19 kills on offense in set four, and secured 3 blocks on the defensive end.
The fifth set saw the Huskies put up 3 aces and score 10 kills at a game-high hit rate of .333 to secure the win with a 15-12 final frame.
NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore credited the team’s composure as the biggest takeaway of the match.
“The biggest takeaway from tonight’s match was how we responded after set one,” D’Amore said. “Starting fast has been a focus and dest that the team fought through found a way to win.“
IMPROVED EFFICIENCY
The Huskies put up 69 kills on a hit rate of .254, the first time the team has posted a percentage above .200 so far this season. The Huskies also had a hit rate above .300 in each of the last 3 sets of the matchup.
D’Amore praised her team for their improvements early in the season so far
“We’re learning something new each match.” D’Amore said, “Which is ultimately going to be great for our future.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Freshman middle blocker Rylea Alvin was a defensive standout, posting a game-leading 6 blocks with 2 solo blocks and 4 block assists. Alvin’s total accounted for half of the team’s block total of 12.
Senior setter Sophie Hurt posted a career-high 38 assists, surpassing her previous career mark that she had just set in Thursday’s game against Valparaiso.
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo was also impressive, posting 16 kills on 27 attempts, a hit rate of .519.
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed posted her third double-double of the season with 12 kills and 21 digs. Grevengoed also improved her efficiency on the attack with a .233 hit rate, the first time she’s hit above .200 this season.
UP NEXT
NIU volleyball continues its road stretch at 5 p.m Saturday in St Paul, Minnesota, against the University of St. Thomas. Live stats can be found on SIDEARM Sports.
