DeKALB – NIU volleyball (2-12, 0-4 MAC) dropped a back and forth game to the University of Akron (7-9, 3-1 MAC) in five sets on Friday. It’s the Huskies’ sixth loss in a row and their second in back-to-back games against the Zips.
UP AND DOWN
The Huskies won the first frame 25-20 with a .386 hit rate while posting 1 attack error. NIU was also stifling defensively, as they posted 4 blocks in the first set.
The second set was a stark contrast to the first. NIU got stopped 14-25 as the Zips were superior in every aspect. NIU hit at a rate of .000 and posted as many kills as attack errors with nine each. Akron on the other hand hit at a rate of .276 and posted 12 kills to 4 errors.
The third set was a return to form for the Huskies. NIU won the set 25-14 and posted 17 kills to 4 attack errors. They also attacked at their most efficient mark in a set this season with a rate of .520. The Zips posted 10 kills with 6 attack errors and hit at a rate of .129.
The fourth set saw the Huskies fall back down as the Zips took it even more dominantly than the second, winning 12-25. NIU hit at a game low -.027 hit rate with more errors (8) than kills (7). NIU also fell victim to Akron’s front line as their attacks were blocked twice.
The fifth set was the most competitive set of the game. Each team had its moments but the Huskies ultimately lost the set 10-15. Akron hit at a game high .393 rate in this frame and closed it out on 4-1 run.
NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore recognized the high-low nature of this game and is looking for her team to be consistent as the season continues.
“Tonight had a little more high and low throughout the match on both sides,” D’Amore said. “I think you got to find a way to play cleaner, play more consistent and not let these lows be as low as they are.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Junior outside hitter Nazli Güvener was a standout performer in this game. She led the team with 18 kills and hit at a rate of .350.
Talking about her performance, Güvener gave the credit to the game plan and her teammates.
“We have a gameplan so I’m just trying to stick with it,” Güvener said. “If I get stuck, my teammates help me and tell me what’s open.”
Freshman setter Ella Strausberger also stood out. She led the whole match with 42 assists, her second game in a row with 40+ assists. She also posted a double-double as she contributed defensively with 10 digs.
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed also posted a double-double as she was second on the team in kills with 13 and popped up 14 digs.
UP NEXT
The Huskies look to bounce back in their 2024 campaign at 6 p.m on Thursday in DeKalb at Victor E. Court against Kent State University. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+ and live stats will be available through SIDEARM Sports.
