The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
Denver
Volleyball falls to Denver in three sets at Ameritas Players Challenge
September 13 | Women's Volleyball
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LINCOLN, Neb. – The University of Akron volleyball team fell in its tournament finale at the Ameritas Players Challenge, coming up short in three sets to Summit League favorite, Denver (27-25, 25-22, 25-10).
Freshman Anna Wenger posted seven kills and three service aces to lead Akron (5-5) offensively. Amanda Bedell posted seven kills as well, and Julia Smagacz added six.
Karley Kusan was two digs short of a double-double, tallying 22 assists and eight digs. Callie Mack came through for the Zips' defense with a match-high 18 digs.
Denver (7-3) was led by Nola Basey's 12 kills.
Both teams registered 17 kills in the first set, which was the tightest battle of the evening. The Zips started to gain momentum midway through the frame on a Denver service error, making the score 15-10 in DU's favor. Akron went on to score five consecutive points to cut the deficit to one at 16-15, a run that was capped by back-to-back Wenger service aces.
UA took its first lead of the night, breaking a 19-all tie with a kill from Smagacz. A Wilson kill would make it 24-23 and give Akron a chance at set point, but the Pioneers retaliated and scored on five of the next six plays to win the set.
After an early lead slipped away in the second set, the Zips locked the score at 12 thanks to a block from Kusan and Mary Delich. Denver forged ahead, but Akron threatened late in the set when a pair of Wilson kills brought the Blue and Gold to within three at 21-18.
Akron held Denver off its first set point on a kill from Bedell, but a service error gave the set to DU.
The Zips hung with the Pioneers early in the third set, but fell into a hole that proved too deep to climb out of as Denver ran away with the final stanza.
Akron will step away from tournament play to host Robert Morris in a weekday match on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at James A. Rhodes Arena. First serve is set for 7 p.m.
