Volleyball Stunned as Akron Rallies to Win in Five

AKRON, Ohio - - After winning the first two sets, the Ball State women's volleyball team could not overcome a furious comeback from Mid-American Conference East Division leader Akron in a stunning 3-2 (21-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-22, 18-16) setback Saturday night at James A. Rhodes Arena.

"We got off to a good start tonight against a tough Akron team," head coach Kelli Miller Phillips said. "We just have to learn to finish a full match. We are doing a lot of good things, but we have to do them more consistently."

The Cardinals (7-7; 1-1 Mid-American Conference) were able to capitalize on numerous Zips (9-4; 2-0 MAC) errors over the opening two sets to pull out to an early 2-0 advantage in the match. Ball State's offense was also strong over the opening two frames, including connecting at a .368 (15-1-38) clip in the second stanza.

However, the hosts were able to clean up their game coming out of the long break and put pressure on the Cardinals, winning the next two frames to force a fifth set.

Ball State looked to have recovered early in the fifth, scoring five of the first six points and taking a 9-5 lead after the court switch. However, Akron was able to chip away at the lead, eventually tying the score at 12 and again at 13.

Senior middle Sydnee VanBeek looked to get the Cardinals back on track yet again with a huge solo block to give Ball State it's first of two match points at 14-13. Unfortunately, Akron was able to win the next two points, putting the pressure back on the visiting MAC West Division preseason favorites.

The Cardinals answered again with a kill from freshman opposite Allison Hamaker, followed by an Akron attack error, for its second match point at 16-15. The Zips would not be denied the win on their home court, however, scoring the final three points to take the frame 18-16 and the match 3-2.

VanBeek and Hamaker finished the night with 11 kills each, while freshman outside Natalie Risi led the Ball State offense with 14 kills. Junior outside Kia Holder rounded out four Cardinals in double figures with 10 kills.

Defensively, the Cardinals also had four players collect double-digit digs, led by a career-high 18 from freshman defensive specialist Maggie Huber. Senior libero Kate Avila was second on the squad with 17, while senior setter Amber Seaman and freshman defensive specialist Chloe Rickenbach added 10 each.

Seaman also handed out 39 assists for her second double-double of the season. VanBeek led the Ball State defense with five total blocks, including three of the solo variety.

Overall, the Zips held a .222 (66-26-180) to .197 (59-24-178) attacking advantage, while out-digging the Cardinals by one; 77 to 76. Akron also led in aces (8 to 4) and total blocks (9 to 8).

The Ball State women's volleyball team will look to rebound Friday (Oct. 4), when it hosts Northern Illinois for a 7 p.m. first serve at Worthen Arena. The following day, the Cardinals welcome Western Michigan for another 7 p.m. first serve.

For the most up-to-date news on Ball State women's volleyball, follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateWVB and @VBCoachMiller on Twitter.

- BallStateSports.com -

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Team Stats

Natalie Risi

Sydnee VanBeek

Allison Hamaker

Kia Holder

Players Mentioned

Kate Avila

Allison Hamaker

Kia Holder

Maggie Huber

Chloe Rickenbach

Natalie Risi

Amber Seaman

Sydnee VanBeek

Players Mentioned

Kate Avila

Allison Hamaker

Kia Holder

Maggie Huber

Chloe Rickenbach

Natalie Risi

Amber Seaman

Sydnee VanBeek