The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
7-11,2-4MAC
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Western Michigan
11-6,3-3MAC
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Mich. | 26 | 27 | 15 | 25 | 3 |
| Akron | 24 | 25 | 25 | 20 | 1 |
Zips Split Series with Western Michigan
October 09 | Women's Volleyball
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron volleyball team battled Western Michigan through two tightly contested opening sets before the Broncos pulled away to earn a 3-1 Mid-American Conference victory Friday night at James A. Rhodes Arena. Western Michigan won 26-24, 27-25, 15-25, 25-20.
The Zips finished with 61 kills and hit .290, including a strong third-set performance in which they recorded 14 kills while hitting .387. Akron also totaled seven service aces and seven blocks.
Akron moved to 7-11 overall and 2-4 in MAC play, while Western Michigan improved to 11-6 overall and 3-3 in conference action.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Akron opened with a competitive first set, recording 18 kills and hitting .318. The Zips pushed the opener beyond 25 points but Western Michigan edged ahead late to take the set, 26-24.The second set was another close battle. Akron posted 17 kills, but nine attack errors proved costly as the Broncos secured a 27-25 win to take a 2-0 match lead.
The Zips responded in the third set with their most efficient offensive effort of the night. Akron collected 14 kills with just two errors on 31 attacks, hitting .387 to claim a decisive 25-15 victory and extend the match.
Western Michigan answered in the fourth set, hitting .371 with 17 kills to close out the match with a 25-20 win.
GAME NOTES
- Gash leads the offense: Delaney Gash paced Akron with 14 kills, hit .297 and added two block assists. She finished with 15 points.
- Aprati contributes 12 kills: Noelle Aprati recorded 12 kills to provide a second major attacking option for the Zips.
- Wilson adds 11 kills: Lauren Wilson finished with 11 kills on 30 attacks and added one block assist.
- Ozoh anchors the net: Chidera Ozoh posted nine kills while hitting .400, with one solo block and five block assists for six total blocks.
- Aeschliman and Wolf contribute: Jordyn Aeschliman recorded eight kills and two block assists, while Lyndi Wolf added seven kills, two assists, one service ace and one block assist.
- Christensen directs the offense: Clara Christensen led Akron with 31 assists, while Masa Prascevic added 23 assists.
- Del Real leads defensively: Vanessa Del Real recorded a match-high 19 digs and contributed two service aces.
- Balanced serving: Del Real and Reilly Chausse each recorded two service aces as Akron finished with seven.
- Third-set surge: Akron hit .387 in the third set, its best hitting percentage of the match.
- Home crowd: Friday's match drew 648 fans to James A. Rhodes Arena.
BY THE NUMBERS
61 – Akron kills in the match.
.290 – Akron's team hitting percentage.
14 – Kills by Delaney Gash, a team high.
12 – Kills by Noelle Aprati.
11 – Kills by Lauren Wilson.
.400 – Chidera Ozoh's hitting percentage.
6 – Total blocks by Ozoh.
31 – Assists by Clara Christensen.
23 – Assists by Masa Prascevic.
19 – Digs by Vanessa Del Real.
7 – Akron service aces.
.387 – Akron's hitting percentage in the third set.
648 – Attendance at James A. Rhodes Arena.
7-11 – Akron's overall record following Friday's match.
2-4 – Akron's MAC record.
UP NEXT
Akron returns to James A. Rhodes Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to host Buffalo at 6 p.m. as Mid-American Conference play continues. The match will feature the Zips' annual Dig Pink event.
