Akron Volleyball Back in Win Column with Win Over Eastern Michigan

Saturday, October 26

Ypsilanti, MI

5 PM

University of Akron

15-6, 8-2MAC

Eastern Michigan

8-14, 3-7MAC

Akron

Eastern Mich.

Photo by: Ernie Aranyosi

Akron Volleyball Back in Win Column with Win Over Eastern Michigan

October 26 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score

Follow Akron Volleyball on Facebook and Twitter

Box Score (PDF)

Ypsilanti, Mich. – A strong defensive performance propels the Zips back in the win column on Saturday evening, as they took down Eastern Michigan in four sets (25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 25-18)

With the win, Akron improves to 15-6 (8-2 MAC), while Eastern Michigan falls to 8-14 (3-7 MAC).

"It was great to get back on track and play at a higher level more consistently. Elya and Ashley did a great job carrying us offensively and we had a number of people dig a lot of balls to help us on the defensive end. We look forward to getting back on the court against Buffalo on Thursday night at home" said head coach Tom Hanna.

Leading the way offensively were seniors Elya Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) and Ashley Richardson (Doylestown, Ohio), who finished with 19 and 16 kills, respectively. Junior setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) dished out 44 assists while adding four kills of her own.

Defensively, junior libero Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio) paced the back row with 23 digs. Also contributing was Karsner with 19 digs, as well as juniors Alexis Adleta (West Chester, Ohio) and Weigand, who finished with 18 digs a-piece.

Richardson also had a stellar night at the net, finishing with nine block assists.

Akron found itself up 6-2 early in the first set, thanks to a three-point run which included kills by Weigand and Richardson, as well as an ace by sophomore Taylor Kuruzovich (Port Matilda, Pa.). From there, the Zips scored seven of the next 11 points, forcing EMU to call its first timeout of the set.

Akron was able to maintain its lead for the remainder of the set, clinching it on an attack error by the Eagles, 25-18.

The Zips came out firing in the second set, taking an early 4-1 lead, which included kills by Adleta, Richardson and Karsner. EMU began to make its way back into the set, as Akron's lead was cut to two, 11-9, near the midway point of the set. From there, Akron was able to score five consecutive points, increasing the lead to 16-9.

A late surge by the Eagles proved not enough, as the Zips went on to take the second set, 25-20.

The third set saw a stronger showing by EMU, as there were six ties throughout the set. Akron found itself down 6-5 early, until four consecutive errors by the Eagles propelled the Zips to take a 9-6 lead. EMU would respond by taking five consecutive points of its own, re-taking the lead, 11-9.

Two consecutive attack errors by the Eagles re-tied the match at 11. From there, EMU was able to put together three consecutive points, giving it a lead that would hold for the remainder of the set. A late push by the Zips brought them within one, thanks to an ace by Kuruzovich, however EMU was able to take the final point, winning the set 25-23.

Akron was determined to end the match in four sets. After being down 4-3 early, the Zips were able to take nine of the next 10 points, taking a commanding 13-5 lead. EMU showed little resistance throughout the set, as later in the set Akron was able to take a 21-12 lead, its largest lead of the match.

A block by sophomore Megan Kelly (Lakewood, Ill.) and Adleta clinched the fourth set, 25-18, and ultimately the match.

The Zips will be back in action on Halloween night (Thursday, Oct. 31), as they take on Buffalo at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN3.