Decatur, IL – Millikin University women's volleyball opened the season with a thriller in Griswold Center versus the University of Chicago, who have received votes in the national top 25 poll rankings. This Tuesday evening match resulted in the Big Blue falling 3-1.
The Big Blue took the first set 25-23 after outworking the Maroon's energy and offense with a hitting percentage of .244.
Chicago then turned it around and snagged the following three sets by holding Millikin to 22 kills for the remainder of the match as their offense improved through the continuation of the match. The Maroon put up an additional 38 kills with a final hitting percentage of .207 and 52 kills.
Leading the Big Blue was
Kyra Carothers with eight kills and eight blocks on a .333 hitting percentage, followed by
Gabriella Ricci and
Miley Quade, both with six kills.
Alyssa Frederking carried the offense and back row with a team high 18 assists and 14 digs,
Francesca Brandonisio joined her with eight digs on the strong Chicago offense. Millikin took control of the net by out blocking Chicago 12 to five.
Although this loss put the Big Blue down (0-1), head coach
Whitney Nichols believes things will begin to click as they are building up trust through these battles; adding on that "it was a great first match and competition" to see where pivots need to be made.
Women's volleyball travel to Virginia Beach this weekend for double headers with Saint Joseph's College of Maine and New Paltz on Friday, September 4 and No. 22 Batten University and Rowan University the following Saturday afternoon.
