The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ball State
Volleyball Fights in 3-0 Decision Versus Ball State
November 06 | Women's Volleyball
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MUNCIE, Ind. – The University of Akron volleyball team gave Ball State all it could handle but fell 3-0 (20-25, 27-29, 17-25) at the John E. Worthen Arena Sunday afternoon. Freshman Elya Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) tallied a match-high 12 kills as the Zips edged BSU in digs, 53-49.
The Zips (8-18, 3-11) were competitive in all three sets, especially in a thrilling second frame that saw 16 tie scores and ended 29-27 in Ball State's favor. Madi Baer (Stow, Ohio) contributed 10 kills, committing just two errors in 22 attempts for a .364 hitting percentage. Sophomores Kayla Gwozdz (Temperance, Mich) and Patience Brown (Bloomington, Ill.) added nine and eight kills respectively, while Brown also chipped in three block assists.
Senior Karley Kusan (Columbus, Ohio) notched 41 assists while defensive specialist Brenna Mack (Mound, Minn.) had a match-high 20 digs.
The first set started off fairly even, with the Cardinals (11-16, 7-6) holding a slim 9-8 advantage. After five straight points, the Zips went up 17-13 but BSU used six consecutive points of its own to reclaim a 19-17 advantage. A kill by Karsner ended the run, however, Ball State managed to take six of the next eight points for the 25-20 victory.
In the second set, both teams traded points as the score stood level at 15-15 early. Ball State then turned in back-to-back points, but Karsner notched another kill for UA on the following point to make it 17-16, BSU. The set remained tight, as Akron tied it up again at 19 and later took a two-point lead forcing a Cardinal timeout.
Ball State responded and took the next two points to even the score at 21-all. With it still tied at 23, BSU was able to come away with three straight points down the stretch for the 29-27 triumph.
The third set started out with BSU leading, 6-2. The Cardinals then extended their lead to double-digits, 21-10, with four successive points. The deficit was too much for Akron to come back from as Ball State claimed the 25-17 win and the match.
The Zips will be back in action Friday, Nov. 11, at East Division foe Miami (Ohio). The match is slated to start at 7 p.m. ET at MU's Millett Hall. Live stats and video will be available through GoZips.com.
