Zips Sweep Bucknell in Final Non-Conference Match

Saturday, September 15

Akron, OH

5 PM

University of Akron

8-3

Bucknell

5-6

Bucknell

Akron

Zips Sweep Bucknell in Final Non-Conference Match

September 15 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

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BOX SCORE (PDF) | PHOTO GALLERY

AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron volleyball team wrapped up non-conference play with a win over Bucknell in straight sets (25-18, 25-18, 25-19) in the Zips Invitational finale Saturday evening at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron, Ohio.

The Zips improved to 8-3, while Bucknell fell to 5-6 on the season.

Junior middle blocker Ashley Richardson (Doylestown, Ohio) tied her career high of 15 kills, while also holding a team-best three blocks. Senior Kayla Gwozdz (Temperance, Mich.) added eight kills and two blocks. Setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) led the Zips with 21 set assists. Sophomore Taylor Kuruzovich (Port Matilda, Pa.), Weigand and Gwozdz each recorded seven digs for Akron.

As a team, the Zips hit .323 compared to Bucknell with a .083 hitting percentage.

The score sat tied at 6-all early in the first when Akron capitalized on six-straight Bison errors to take the lead. Akron scored another five unanswered points, including three back-to-back kills from Richardson to increase its lead to 17-8. A late run by Bucknell cut the lead to four points but it wasn't enough, resulting in a 25-18 first set win for the Zips.

The Bison picked up some momentum heading into the second, as they took an early 6-2 lead. A series of short runs secured a 19-14 lead for Akron. A 4-1 Bison run cut the deficit to two points, but Akron would score the next five points to seal the second set, 25-18. Kills from Adleta, freshman Teagan Ochaya (Mentor, Ohio), and Richardson as well as a service ace from senior Abbey Pawlak (Sylvania, Ohio) capped off the set.

Kills from Richardson and Gwozdz highlighted the start of set three, giving Akron a 4-1 advantage. The Zips could only continue to build on its lead scoring the next six-straight points including three more kills from Gwozdz. Bucknell went on a 4-0 lead but it was too late, as a kill from junior Elya Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) sealed the win, 25-19.

Zips Invitational All-Tournament Team
Ashley Richardson - Akron
Alexis Adleta - Akron
Zoe Birnbrich - Toledo
Chloee Kleespies - Toledo
Giovanna Kuntze - Youngstown State
Blake Buchholz - Bucknell

Up next, Akron opens Mid-American Conference action as it hosts Miami (Ohio), Friday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. and Bowling Green, Saturday, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m.