NIU volleyball rounded out the Hampton Inn Invitational in Indianapolis Saturday against the Indiana University Indianapolis Jaguars.
The Huskies (7-2) attacked from all angles to get through the Jaguars’ blocks. IU Indy rallied back, taking the third and fourth sets, but NIU got the job done in the fifth after junior middle blocker Autumn Flynn scored the winning point on a service ace. Ending the invitational 2-1, the Huskies took down the Jaguars 3-2
“Confidence building and a lot of learning were the goals of non-conference,” head volleyball coach Sondra D’Amore said in a statement VIA text. “We got both. We know we have work to do still, but we also know we have what it takes not only to win, but to win tight matches.”
SERVE’S UP
Sophomore libero Jordyn Tynsky made a career-high four aces, followed by Flynn and freshman outside hitter Delaney Steers’s three and two aces, respectively. Tynsky finished the match with 13 digs and four assists.
“Setting a new career goal is always something to be proud of,” Tynsky said in a statement VIA text. “Especially when aces are the only way I can contribute to the team scoring points-wise. Anytime I go back to the service line, I don’t necessarily think, which may sound odd, but instead I rely on my training. If I get an ace, I get an ace.”
After racking up 11 against the Jaguars, the Huskies finished the weekend with 29 service aces across seven different players.
“Serving is one of our strengths,” D’Amore said in a statement VIA text. “It will be an area we continue to train and emphasize going into conference play.”
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
Showcasing their depth, six Huskies nailed five or more kills against the Jaguars. Sophomore outside hitter Emma McCartney led in kills for the third consecutive match, tallying 14, and sophomore outside hitter Ava Grevengoed followed closely behind with 11.
Redshirt junior setter Kylie Schulze earned her third double-double of the season after putting up 18 assists and leading the team with 15 digs.
“I am someone who prides myself on doing whatever it takes to win,” Schulze said in a statement VIA text. “I’m still finding my footing as I come back from a long recovery from knee surgery, but my teammates and coaches are incredible and have been behind me every step.”
Battling against Indy’s offensive bursts in the third and fourth sets, freshman middle blocker Savannah Gogel jumped four block assists. Flynn, Grevengoed, senior right side Alexa Hayes and freshman outside hitter Naomi Dowd contributed two block assists each.
Despite being forced to five sets, Schulze felt the win gave the Huskies confidence in their abilities.
“Our whole team showed a lot of grit and character,” Schulze said in a statement VIA text. “We are a very connected group that works really hard for each other, and it seems like someone different is stepping up every match. (Steers and Gogel) particularly stepped up and played a great match.”
The Huskies host Central Michigan for Y2K Night at 6 p.m. Thursday at Victor E. Court inside the Convocation Center. Live stats provided on SIDEARM Sports.
