Akron Set to Host Cleveland State in Preseason Exhibition

Friday, August 17

Akron, OH

5 PM

University of Akron

Cleveland State (EXH)

Akron Set to Host Cleveland State in Preseason Exhibition

August 15 | Women's Volleyball

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AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron volleyball team will host Cleveland State University in a preseason exhibition contest at James A. Rhodes Arena, Friday at 5 p.m.

The match between the Zips and Vikings will be the second time that the two programs have met while under the direction of fourth-year head coach, Tom Hanna. In 2015, Akron fell to Cleveland State, 3-1 (12-25, 25-18, 23-25, 17-25) in a nonconference match-up.

The Akron roster consists of 10 returners, led by seniors Abbey Pawlak (Sylvania, Ohio) and Kayla Gwozdz (Temperance, Mich.). Last season, Pawlak posted 187 digs and 29 service aces, while Gwozdz held team-bests of 290 kills and 317.5 points.

Also highlighting the returners is sophomore Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio), who led the Zips defensively with 419 digs. Sophomore setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) returns after a freshman season where she led Akron with 992 assists and 36 service aces.

Additionally, the Zips welcome newcomers Jen Durra (Painesville, Ohio), Megan Kelly (Lakewood, Ill.), Teagan Ochaya (Mentor, Ohio), Mahogany Vinson (Richton Park, Ill.) and Hannah Yaconis (Batavia, Ill.) to the team.

The Vikings' roster features 11 returners from its 2017 squad. Among Cleveland State's returners are two of its top-three hitters, Sara Skeens and Emily DeGeorge, who had 319 and 203 kills, respectively.

The Zips open up their 2018 season at the Fullerton/Riverside Classic, Aug. 24-25, hosted by Cal State Fullerton and UC Riverside.

Volleyball season tickets are just $40 for general admission. Discounted season tickets are available for current UA Faculty and Staff at $32. Single-game and group tickets are also now available for purchase.

Season tickets can be purchased online at GoZips.com/tickets, by calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766), or at the C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office. The ticket office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.