The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
7-9,3-1MAC
Northern Illinois
2-12,0-4MAC
Zips Sweep Huskies With Five-Set Victory
October 04 | Women's Volleyball
DEKALB, Ill. - The Akron volleyball team knocked off the Northern Illinois Huskies in five sets (20-25, 25-14, 14-25, 25-12, 15-10) Friday on the road at Victor E Court for the second straight night.
The Zips were led by a double-double from Lauren Baker, who registered a career-high 22 kills and added 12 digs. Emanouela Christodoulou added 15 kills while Gabby Brissett had 11 to help the attack. Eliska Vytiskova also recorded a double-double with a 33 assist and a career-high 23 dig night at NIU. Melisa Tore led the way on defense with four blocks while Karleighana Jones and Christodoulou both recorded three.
The conference victory improved Akron's record to 7-9 overall and 3-1 in MAC play.
Game Notes
» Baker recorded a career-high 22 kills
» Baker tied her career-high in aces with a three to lead the Blue and Gold.
» Vytiskova recorded a career-high 23 digs against the Huskies.
» Akron had three players in double figures in kills.
» Akron had three players in double figures in digs.
» The Zips had two players record a double as Baker (22 kills, 12 digs) and Vytiskova (33 assists, 23 digs) filled up the score sheet.
» Akron never trailed on the way to winning the fourth set 25-12.
» Akron never trailed on the way to winning the fifth set 15-10.
» Akron attackers were helped by a team-high 33 assists from Vytiskova.
How It Happened
SET 1 | The Zips found themselves in an early hole, losing the first set 25-20. Akron trailed by as many as six points as Northern Illinois never gave up the lead in a set that was tied up zero times before the Huskies took control.
SET 2 | Akron evened the match at 1-1 with a 25-14 victory in set two. The Zips took control of the set lead early on at 2-1 and never trailed. Akron opened its biggest lead of the stanza, 11 points, to finish off the set. The Akron offense also got a boost from four aces in the stanza.
SET 3 | Akron dropped the third set, putting the Zips in a 2-1 hole. The Zips dropped a tough set 25-14. Akron trailed by as many as 12 points as Northern Illinois grabbed the advantage for good at 6-5 in a set that was tied up four times before the Huskies took over the lead.
SET 4 | Akron then responded to secure set four 25-12 to force a fifth set. The Zips led from the opening point on in the set to secure the victory. Akron finished up the stanza on a strong note, claiming its biggest lead, 13 points, to finish off the set. Akron also supplemented their offense with three aces in the set.
SET 5 | Down two sets to one, Akron powered back to win the final two sets, culminating in a 15-10 fifth-set victory, to take the match 3-2. The Zips scored first and never trailed in set five to secure the victory. Akron ended on a high note, opening its biggest lead of the stanza, five points, to finish off the set, collecting 13 kills along the way.
What's Next?
The Zips return to James A. Rhodes Arena to host the Buffalo Bulls on October 8 for a 6 p.m. start.
