Akron Volleyball Hosts Buffalo for Halloween Matchup

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AKRON, Ohio – After coming off a 1-1 weekend of conference play, Akron volleyball looks to match its most wins since 2009, as it takes on Buffalo on Thursday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN3.

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ABOUT THE ZIPS
The Zips, under the direction of fifth-year head coach Tom Hanna, own an 15-6 record through 21 matches this season. The Zips are coming off a 1-1 weekend in conference play, falling to Central Michigan in straight sets, (25-16, 25-18, 25-13), before defeating Eastern Michigan in four sets, (25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 25-18).

Senior Ashley Richardson (Doylestown, Ohio) currently leads the Zips with 220 kills and a .356 hitting percentage (fourth in the MAC), as well as leading the Zips with 85 blocks on defense. Junior Alexis Adleta (West Chester, Ohio) is close behind with 204 kills.

Junior setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) leads the team in assists with 781 (10.14 per set, second in the MAC). Defensive specialist Taylor Sharrits (Concord, Ohio) paces the back-row defense with 344 digs (4.53 per set).

AKRON QUICK HITS

Akron is currently tied for first in the MAC (8-2).
Richardson's .356 hitting percentage this season currently ranks 67^thin the nation and fourth in the MAC.
As a team, Akron is ranked 48^thin the nation in aces per set (1.60).
Weigand currently ranks second in both assists per set (10.14) and first in service aces per set (.48) in the MAC.
In the MAC, Akron ranks third in hitting percentage (.219), fourth in opponent assists per set (11.19), third in opponent kills per set (12.01), first in service aces per set (1.57), and second in opponent hitting percentage (.176).

The Zips have earned three MAC East Player of the Week honors this season (Ashley Richardson, Taylor Sharrits, and Emily Weigand).
Akron is currently 7-1 at home and 6-2 on the road this season.
The Zips have a hitting percentage of .219 this season, while holding its opponents to a hitting clip of just .176.
Sharrits has eclipsed nine or more digs in 20 of the Zips' 21 matches this season.
Junior Taylor Sharrits earned her 1200^thcareer dig last weekend against Eastern Michigan.
The Zips' roster consists of 12 returners and three newcomers.

SCOUTING BUFFALO
The Bulls, under first-year head coach Scott Smith, currently sit at 8-14 (4-6 MAC) on the season. Last week, they fell to Eastern Michigan in straight sets (25-15, 26-24, 25-19), before upsetting Central Michigan, 3-2 (16-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-17, 15-12).

Offensively, the Bullsare led by seniors Rachel Sanks and Polina Prokudina, who currently have 242 and 238 kills, respectively. Senior setter Scout McLerran leads the team with 687 assists (8.38 per set).

Defensively, sophomore libero Paige Beck leads the way with 325 digs (3.78 per set), while junior middle blocker Lexi Nordmann leads the team in blocks with 74.

SERIES VS. BUFFALO

Akronleads the all-time series over Buffalo, 30-16. Earlier in the season, Akron topped Buffalo in a five-set thriller (25-19, 25-15, 29-27, 26-24, 15-10).

The Zips will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m., as Akron heads to Toledo.

The University of Akron Athletics

Akron Volleyball Hosts Buffalo for Halloween Matchup

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Players Mentioned

Alexis Adleta

Ashley Richardson

Taylor Sharrits

Emily Weigand

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