Akron Continues Hot Streak, Takes Both Matches at North Dakota Classic

Friday, September 20

Grand Forks, ND

12:30 PM

University of Akron

6-4

Eastern Washington

2-10

Eastern Washington

Akron

Akron Continues Hot Streak, Takes Both Matches at North Dakota Classic

September 20 | Women's Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

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Match 1 – Box Score (PDF)
Match 2 – Box Score (PDF)

Grand Forks, N.D. – The Akron volleyball team continues to play at a high level, winning both of its matches at the North Dakota Classic on Friday, Sept. 20.

The Zips defeated Eastern Washington, 3-0 (25-14, 25-21, 25-18) before topping North Dakota in straight sets (25-14, 25-23, 25-15).

Akron improves to 7-4 on the season, while Eastern Washington fell to 2-10, and North Dakota moves to 8-6.

In Akron's win over Eastern Washington, seniors Elya Karsner (Frankfort, Ky.) and Ashley Richardson (Doylestown, Ohio) led the way with 11 kills a-piece. Also contributing were juniors Shelby Fulmer (Perrysburg, Ohio) and Alexis Adleta (West Chester Ohio), who finished with 6 kills a-piece. Junior setter Emily Weigand (Burton, Ohio) dished out 34 assists, while sophomore right-side Teagan Ochaya (Mentor, Ohio) led the way defensively with 10 digs.

The Zips were able to carry its momentum from last week's invitational into the classic this weekend, starting off the first set in a big way. After holding a narrow 10-9 lead, Akron were able to rattle off eight consecutive points, which began with three consecutive kills by Adleta, and was capped off with an ace by Richardson.

The Zips maintained its lead, and were able to coast to the easy first set win, 25-14.

The Eagles were able to put up a better fight in the second set, but were too overpowered by Akron's efficient offense. After Eastern Washington were able to gain an early 2-1 lead, three consecutive errors by the Eagles gave Akron the lead right back, 4-2.

The set saw each team struggle to go on a run, as the deficit never grew larger than six, however the Zips were able to hold onto its lead for the remainder of the set, eventually taking it 25-21.

The Zips were able to gain an early 4-0 lead in the third set, thanks to two kills by Richardson, a kill by Karsner and an error by the Eagles. A few short runs in favor of Akron eventually put them up 11-5, forcing Eastern Washington to call its first timeout.

Akron were able to hold off any attempts at a comeback by Eastern Washington, taking the third and final set, 25-18.

"We put together another solid performance in serve and pass that allowed us to have a good day offensively in both our side-out and transition games. We're looking forward to playing North Dakota in front of their home crowd tonight and hope that we can replicate this performance" said head coach Tom Hanna.

In the Zips 3-0 victory over the Fighting Hawks, Richardson once again led the way with 13 kills, while Fulmer added another 11. Weigand finished with 34 assists, and Sharrits led the defense with 10 assists.

The first set saw Akron come out firing out of the gate, as an early five-point run put them ahead 7-2, forcing North Dakota to call its first timeout. Out of the timeout, the Zips scored on 10 of the next 15 points, putting them up 17-8, and eventually propelling them to take the first set, 25-14.

The Zips were able to gain an early 4-0 lead over North Dakota in the second set, however the Fighting Hawks would not go down without a fight. Although the Zips held the lead for the majority of the set, North Dakota were able to make a late push and tie the game at 23.

From there, two consecutive kills by Richardson gave Akron the narrow second set victory, 25-23.

In the third and final set, Akron were able to put any comeback efforts to bed, going on multiple short runs, and playing stellar defense. Akron went on to take the set 25-15, thanks to a match-clinching ace by Fulmer, and ultimately take the match, 3-0.

"Once again, we were able to pass at a high level along with solid serving. We're getting good offensive balance at the right time as we prepare for conference play" said head coach Tom Hanna.

Richardson, Karsner, and Fulmer were named to the all-tournament team, with Richardson being named tournament MVP (her consecutive tournament MVP honor).

Up next, the Zips travel to New York to open up conference play against Buffalo on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.