NIU volleyball (4-23, 2-15 MAC) shut down the Miami University RedHawks (7-21, 1-16 MAC) in three sets on Friday, breaking NIU’s 11-game losing streak.
IMPROVED OFFENSE
The Huskies hit at their highest percentage in a match this season with a clip of .342. This surpasses NIU’s previous season high of .286 which they had in their most recent win on Oct. 10 against Kent State University.
The first set saw NIU lead the dance. Miami’s only lead came in the opening moments of the frame when the RedHawks went up 0-1. NIU answered with 2 kills to go up 2-1 and from there carried on momentum for most of the set.
The RedHawks brought it within two at one point (20-18) but the Huskies rallied and closed the frame out on 5-0 run to win 25-18. NIU outhit Miami in this frame with 15 kills to 2 errors, both marks better than the RedHawk’s numbers of 12 kills and 5 errors. The Huskies hitting percentage would also be superior with a .361 rate to Miami’s .189.
The second set saw the RedHawks bounce back early and they led by as much as 8 (21-13). But NIU responded with an 11-2 run to go up 24-23. Miami slammed a kill to knot it up 24-24 and sent the frame into a deuce.
The teams would trade points back and forth landing the score at 27-27. From there, NIU would come alive on offense with two-straight kills, both by freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed, to close the set out 29-27.
The third set was a back and forth affair. Neither team held a lead larger than 4 and there were nine land changes in the frame. The Huskies took the lead late (20-19) and would hold strong through the rest of it, closing the set out on a 5-2 run to win the match 25-21 and secure the sweep.
NIU hit at a match high .389 hitting percentage and posted 21 kills in this set, both superior to Miami’s .385 percentage and 12 kills.
When asked about her team’s improved efficiency, NIU volleyball head coach Sondra D’Amore praised her team’s balance on offense and the aggression of their attackers.
“We did a great job balancing the offense and all of our attackers were aggressive the entire night,” D’Amore said. “We found a way to stay in the rally and be terminal. Our outsides especially did great, combining for 34 kills.”
STANDOUT PERFORMERS
Grevengoed was a standout. She led the Huskies with 17 kills and posted her 12th double-double on the season with 12 digs. Grevengoed also chipped in at the service line leading the team in aces with 2.
Junior outside hitter Nazli Güvener also led the Huskies in kills with 17 and attacked at an efficiency rate of .552. Güvener is third on NIU in kills in the season with 258.
Junior middle blocker Savanah Brandt shined defensively. Brandt tied for the game lead with 4 block assists and also popped up 3 digs. Brandt is third on the Huskies in total blocks on the season with 31.
UP NEXT
The Huskies conclude their season Saturday at 3 p.m. as they run it back against the RedHawks. Live streaming will be available on ESPN+ and live stats will be available on SIDEARM Sports.
