The University of Akron Athletics
Volleyball Overpowers Syracuse in 3-1 Win
September 14 | Women's Volleyball
Syracuse, N.Y.-Behind a season high 17 kills from junior Liz Martin (Lowell, Ind./Lowell) and 21 digs from senior Jennifer Stewart (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) , The University of Akron Zips volleyball team claimed a 3-1 victory over the Syracuse Orange Sunday afternoon at Manley Field House in Syracuse, N.Y.
The Zips dominated sets one and two of the match-up taking a early 4-0 lead in both. In set one leading 16-7, the Orange went on a 6-0 run but it wasn't enough to catch UA as they took the first set 25-18. In the second set Akron once again took the early lead never letting the Orange take control winning 25-20.
Syracuse came back with a vengeance in set three. While the Zips took a slight lead for much of the first part of the frame, Syracuse kept the score close, never allowing the Zips to grab any substantial momentum. Tied 20-20, the Orange took advantage of three Akron errors winning 25-21.
Set four was a back and forth affair. Neither team could establish a lead until midway through when the Orange grabbed five-straight points to take the lead, 18-15. However, the Zips managed to hold Syracuse at 18, while they grabbed the next five points to lead, 20-18. From there, the score tied three times before the Zips closed the set, 26-24, with two-consecutive service aces from junior Megan Rodriguez (Sagamore Hills, Ohio/Walsh Jesuit).
On the day, junior Brionna Patterson (Sandusky, Ohio/Sandusky) added 12 kills while sophomores Jackie Goleman (De Soto, Kan./De Soto) and Jess Antosz (Glenshaw, Pa./Shaler Area) each added nine. The six-foot Antosz was also dominant defensively posting three solos blocks in the match.
Once again leading the team in assists was junior Kara Smith (Secor, Ill./El Paso-Gridley) who
posted 47 on the day, two more than the Orange squad as a whole. A
versatile player, Smith also added three kills (.429), eight digs
and a service ace.
The Zips return to tournament action next Friday when they head
to Loretto, Pa to take part in the St. Francis Invitational to face
tournament host, Columbia and the New Jersey Institute of
Technology.
Notes: Zips volleyball is 2-2 all-time against
the Orange and 38-45 against Big East member schools ... as a team
Akron posted nine service aces on the day.
