DeKALB – NIU volleyball (2-11, 0-3 MAC) dropped a tight match against the University of Akron (6-9, 2-1 MAC) in five sets on Thursday. It’s the Huskies’ fifth loss in a row and their third loss in conference.
HOTLY CONTESTED
The first set was the most one-sided for the Zips as they dropped the Huskies 25-19. This frame saw NIU post 8 attack errors and attack inefficiently with a hit rate of .130.
The second set was NIU’s most efficient. They won the set 25-23 and posted 15 kills at a rate of .293. Both of which were match highs for the Huskies.
In contrast, the third set saw struggles for NIU. The Huskies hit at a match-low .098 hit rate and again posted 8 attack errors. The Huskies managed to keep it close but fell 25-23.
The fourth set was NIU’s most dominant. The Huskies won the frame 25-17 and at one point led by as much as 10 (24-14). NIU posted a match-low attack errors in this set with 2 and hit at a rate of .286, giving them a huge edge over Akron in the frame who sat at .081 and had 8 attack errors.
NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore praised her team’s improved ability to close out and win sets in this game.
“We highlighted that, that was a huge step in the right direction,” D’Amore said. “You step on the floor, you’re gonna eventually find more opportunities to close sets. I’m glad that they did it a couple times tonight and know that they can.”
The fifth set was close but Akron would end the set on a 4-1 run and close NIU out 15-11.
“I thought this was one of the best matches we’ve played in a while,” D’Amore said. “There’s a lot of positives to take away from it.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Freshman setter Ella Strausberger posted a career-high 50 assists in Thursday’s game. She also contributed at the service line with 2 aces and on defense with 6 digs.
Talking about her career high, Strausberger credited her teammates’ effort and ability to put the ball into the right positions.
“Our back row was going insane this game,” Strausberger said. “Everyone was digging out balls left and right and our attackers were always put in a good spot from our defense to get a good swing on the ball.”
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo also shined in this game. She was third on the team in kills with 13, doing so efficiently at a hit rate of .257. She also led the charge defensively for the Huskies posting 2 solo blocks and 1 block assist.
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed was also a standout. She led the team in kills with 17. She also contributed defensively posting 8 digs and contributed at the line with 1 ace.
UP NEXT:
The Huskies continue their season running it back against Akron at 6 p.m Friday at Victor E. Court. Live streaming will be provided on ESPN+ and live stats will be available through SIDEARM Sports.
