NIU volleyball (1-6) dropped two games Friday, losing both matchups in a doubleheader against the University of Rhode Island Rams (4-6) and the Harvard University Crimson (4-2).
GAME 1
NIU got off to a great start in Friday’s games. The Huskies opened up a 2-0 lead over Rhode Island,winning the first set 25-21 and winning the second 25-17.
The third set went to a deuce. With a chance to complete the sweep, NIU dropped the set 28-26.
From there the Rams built on their newfound momentum and won the fourth set 25-16. In this set, Rhode Island attacked at a rate of .286 versus NIU whose hit rate was -.027, posting more errors (11) than kills (10).
In the fifth set, both teams traded points throughout the set. It was eventually Rhode Island who completed the comeback as the Rams ended the game on a 4-1 run and closed out the set 25-23.
NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore praised her team’s heart but reinforced their need to close.
“There is a lot of competitive fight and as a coach you love to see that,” D’Amore said. “But we need to continue to find ways to execute at the sets of ends or matches when you have that opportunity.”
GAME 2
NIU fell to Harvard in four sets.NIU took Harvard to a deuce in two sets. Those sets were the first and the second where the Huskies fell 27-25 and 26-24, respectively.
The Huskies won the third set 25-23, avoiding the sweep and keeping a chance at victory alive.
The Huskies kept the fourth frame close, but NIU ultimately lost to Harvard as the Crimson would close the set out on 5-1 run to win 25-22.
D’Amore said that the quick turnaround between games brought a lot of adversity to her team.
“Today was a challenging day,” D’Amore said, “Not just the battle of a long five-set match but to have to turn around and compete again. It definitely challenged us in more ways than one.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo powered the Huskies in both matchups. Against Rhode Island, Atiemo put up a team-leading 15 kills on an efficient .500 hit rate. She also posted 4 service aces.
Against Harvard, Atiemo was again efficient and dangerous on the attack, posting 18 kills on a .452 hit rate. She also posted another 3 service aces.
Senior outside hitter Nikolette Nedic was also impressive, especially against Rhode Island. Versus the Rams, Nedic put up a season-high in kills with 13 and did it efficiently, smashing the ball with a .321 hit rate.
In the match against Harvard, Nedic continued her attack as she posted 11 kills and also contributed defensively with 6 digs.
Senior setter Sophie Hurt continued her strong play this season. In both games, Hurt posted 30 or more assists with 35 against Rhode Island and 30 against Harvard. Her 35 assists against Rhode Island also came with 15 digs to make up a double-double performance.
UP NEXT
NIU continues its road stretch 11 a.m CST Saturday in Kingston, Rhode Island, against Stony Brook University. Live stats can be found on StatBroadcast.
“All we can ask for at the end of our road stretch is to learn from our mistakes and implement changes tomorrow,” D’Amore said.
