The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Ball State
Ball State tops Volleyball in 3-1 decision
September 22 | Women's Volleyball
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MUNCIE, Ind. -- The University of Akron volleyball team came up short in its second Mid-American Conference contest of the season Saturday night, falling to Ball State 3-1 (17-25, 25-20, 17-25, 16-25).
Alex Cocklin and Chelsea Harvey combined for 23 kills but it was not enough, as the Zips were out-hit .250 to .109 and fell victim to 10 service errors in the contest.
Cocklin combined with Tina Dimitrijevs and freshman Kelsey Wilson with three block assists each, to help Akron reach 11 total blocks on the night. Libero Jill Paluch added a team-high 13 digs.
The highlight of Akron's night came in the second set. UA jumped out to a 7-4 lead on one of Cocklin's kills. Kristen Warner preserved Akron's lead with a kill of her own bringing the score to 12-4 in the Zips' favor. Akron would never release the lead, riding its advantage all the way to another kill from Morgan Kuhn for its only win of the match.
Tied at one set apiece, Akron fought back to within two points in the third set at 11-13 after a Chelsea Harvey kill. That would be as close as Akron would get though, as it could not drum up an answer for the stifling Ball State offense led by the West's Offensive Player of the Week Kara Bates' match-high 14 kills.
After a tie score at 6-all in the fourth set, the Cardinals developed a lead that was too much for the Zips to overcome. Akron would trail by as many as eight points before forfeiting match point.
Kuhn finished with 29 assists to fuel the Zips' 42 team kills, and Harvey led the Akron offense with a .205 clip.
Akron (8-6, 1-1) will return home next weekend, hosting Bowling Green on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. ET, and Miami (Ohio) on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. at James A. Rhodes Arena.
