NIU volleyball (2-9, 0-1 MAC) fell to the Toledo Rockets (8-5, 1-0 MAC) in three sets on Friday. It’s NIU’s third sweep in a row and comes in their first game against MAC competition.
NEW GAME, SAME STRUGGLES
Toledo was a fresh opponent for the Huskies yet, the team struggled much the same way they have all season.
NIU hit at a subpar rate again, attacking with an efficiency of .162 on 35 kills. A stark contrast to Toledo’s mark of .333 as they slammed 48 kills.
NIU put up more errors than Toledo as the Huskies posted 18 compared to the Rockets 12.
The Huskies lost the first set 21-25 giving up an 8-0 run in the middle of the set.
In the second set, the Huskies had their best opportunity to extend the game as they were up by five twice (12-7, 14-9) but ultimately fell short 25-22.
The third frame saw NIU fall 25-18 in a set they never led.
“It’s the same aspects of our game we’ve been struggling with most of the season,” NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore said. “Not terminating when we need to and siding out in certain rotations.”
STANDOUT HUSKIES
Junior outside hitter Nazli Güvener had a standout performance against Toledo. She missed the previous two games against Northwestern University but came back in Friday’s game and led the team in kills with 15. She did so with a hit rate of .294, the second highest mark she’s hit this season. Güvener also contributed defensively with 3 digs and 1 block assist.
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed continued her strong freshman campaign as she was second on the team in kills with eight and also chipped in 3 service aces. She currently leads the Huskies in both stats on the season with 130 kills and 22 aces.
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo impacted the game on both sides of the ball. She posted 5 kills on a .308 hit rate and also was tied for first on the team in block assists with 2.
STANDOUT ROCKETS
Rockets fifth-year outside hitter Taylor Alt led all players in the match with 18 kills on a .359 hit rate. It’s the second highest kill mark she has hit the season, only falling short to the 21 she notched against South Dakota State on Sept. 20.
Sophomore setter Macy Hatkevich led the game with 35 assists as she also added in defensively putting up 5 digs. This is her third game in a row posting 30 or more assists.
UP NEXT
The Huskies continue their season at 3 p.m on Saturday as they run it back against the University of Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. Live streaming will be provided on ESPN+ and Live stats will be available through SIDEARM Sports.
