The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
3-6,0-0MAC
Valparaiso
5-4,0-0MVC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valparaiso | 20 | 21 | 25 | 24 | 1 |
| Akron | 25 | 25 | 22 | 26 | 3 |
Akron Volleyball Defeats Valparaiso in Four Sets
September 12 | Women's Volleyball
AKRON, Ohio – In the final match of the Zips Invitational, the Akron volleyball team turned in a strong offensive performance, posting a .300 hitting percentage on its way to a 3-1 victory over Valparaiso at James A. Rhodes Arena on Saturday morning.
The Zips (3-6) claimed the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-21, before Valparaiso (5-4) answered with a 25-22 third-set victory. Akron closed out the match with a 26-24 win in the fourth set to secure its third victory of the season.
Akron finished the match with 62 kills, 59 assists, 73 digs and nine total team blocks. The Zips' .300 hitting percentage marked their most efficient offensive performance of the match, highlighted by a .424 attack percentage in the fourth set.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Set 1: Akron established control early and earned a 25-20 victory. The Zips recorded 14 kills against three errors and hit .289 in the opening frame.
Set 2: Akron continued its offensive success in the second set, recording 16 kills and hitting .302. The Zips pulled away for a 25-21 win to take a 2-0 match lead.
Set 3: Valparaiso responded in the third set, holding Akron to a .217 hitting percentage while earning a 25-22 victory and cutting the Zips' lead to 2-1.
Set 4: Akron saved its best offensive performance for the decisive fourth set. The Zips registered 16 kills against just two errors on 33 attacks for a .424 hitting percentage. Akron battled through a tight finish to secure a 26-24 victory and clinch the match.
DOUBLE-DOUBLES
Delaney Gash recorded her second double-double of the weekend, finishing with a team-high 17 kills and 15 digs. She also added three block assists.
GAME NOTES
Gash Leads Offense: Gash paced the Zips with 17 kills and added 15 digs. She hit .208 for the match.
Balanced Attack: Akron had three players reach double figures in kills. In addition to Gash's 17, Chidera Ozoh recorded 14 kills and Jordyn Aeschliman added 13.
Ozoh Efficient: Ozoh turned in one of Akron's most efficient offensive performances, recording 14 kills without an attack error on 22 attempts for a .636 hitting percentage.
Aeschliman Strong: Aeschliman contributed 13 kills while hitting .385, committing just three errors on 26 attacks.
Setting the Attack: Masa Prascevic directed Akron's offense with 38 assists.
Defensive Leader: Vanessa Del Real led all Akron players with 25 digs. The Zips finished with 73 digs as a team.
At the Net: Akron recorded nine total team blocks, with Chidera Ozoh contributing seven block assists.
Fourth-Set Finish: Akron hit .424 in the fourth set, recording 16 kills and only two errors to close out the match.
Team Effort: The Zips finished with 62 kills, 59 assists, 73 digs and nine blocks while limiting Valparaiso to a .238 hitting percentage.
Home Success: Saturday's match was played before an attendance of 250 at James A. Rhodes Arena.
