Akron Volleyball Tops NIU in Straight Sets

Friday, October 18

Akron, Ohio

7 PM

University of Akron

13-5,6-1MAC

Northern Illinois

6-15,3-4MAC

Northern Ill.

Akron

October 18 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

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Box Score (PDF)

Akron Volleyball Tops NIU in Straight Sets

AKRON, Ohio – Akron volleyball continues to shine on the court, making quick work of NIU in straight sets (25-22, 25-22, 25-12)

With the win, Akron improves to 13-5 (6-1 MAC), while NIU falls to 6-15 (3-4 MAC).

"Once again we found ways to win close sets and then played with a lot of confidence and composure to bring home the match in convincing fashion. We had great pin attacking tonight and did an unbelievable job executing our serving plan right from the start. We passed the ball at a high level, which is always going to keep us in matches. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can put together tomorrow night" said head coach Tom Hanna.

Leading the way offensively was senior Elya Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.), who had a match-high 14 kills. Also finding success on the offensive side was junior Alexis Adleta (West Chester, Ohio), who finished with 10 kills and no errors, good for a .435 hitting percentage.

Junior setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) continues to find success in all three phases, finishing the match with 36 assists, 10 digs and five aces. Junior libero Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio) paced the defense with 15 digs.

The first set saw good volleyball by both sides, as each team struggled to go on a run early, due to solid defense by both. Down 12-11 midway through the set, Akron was able to put to put together three consecutive points, which included a kill by Karsner and an ace by junior Taylor Kuruzovich (Port Matilda, Pa.) taking the lead, 14-12.

Later on in the set leading 22-21, the Zips put together another three-point run, capped off with a block by senior Ashley Richardson (Doylestown, Ohio) and Karsner, propelling Akron to take the first set, 25-22.

Akron came out the gate firing, gaining an early 7-3 lead over the Huskies. They responded well, taking eight of the next 11 points, regaining the lead, 11-10. Both teams struggled to go on a run, as the set later found itself tied at 22.

From there, Akron was able to put a short streak together, taking the last three points, via an error by NIU, an ace by Weigand, and a set-clinching block by junior Shelby Fulmer (Perrysburg, Ohio), and sophomore Megan Kelly (Lakewood, Ill.).

The Zips made a statement in the final set. Determined to get the sweep, the Zips came out the gate firing, gaining an early 8-1 lead over the Huskies. After NIU began to show some fight, Akron put together a five-point run midway through the set, increasing the lead to 10, 18-8.

Akron closed off on a four-point run, taking the final set, 25-12.

The Zips return to James A. Rhodes Arena Saturday, Oct. 19, as they host Western Michigan. Action is set to begin at 7 p.m.