Spring Break
Volleyball avoids 'Scarlet' fever, sweeps Rutgers
Mike Barnhart
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Sports
|
UConn (13-6, 3-2) was strong out of the gate and was not challenged in the first set. The Huskies controlled the set from beginning to end and won by the score of 25-13. Setter Annie Luhrsen took advantage of the Rutgers defense, dropping in four kills of her own in the set.
Chauntay Mickens and Rebecca Murray also contributed to the offense in the first set with three kills each.
"We started strong and that helped us push through the next two sets," Luhrsen said.
After UConn cruised through the first set, it didn't seem that the Scarlet Knights (1-14, 0-6) would offer much resistance. But Rutgers looked like a different team in the second set.
The Scarlet Knights executed their offense effectively and took advantage of some sloppy play by the Huskies. UConn found themselves down 19-14 before going on a 7-to-1 run to take the lead.
Rutgers continued to fight even after squandering the lead and both teams traded points until an attack error gave the Huskies the set, 31-29.
"They passed the ball much better and played scrappy defense," Luhrsen said.
Mickens stood out for the Huskies in the second set with six kills, and Luhrsen added nine assists.
UConn played strong defense early in the third set but Rutgers refused to go down quietly. With the score knotted at 9-9, the Scarlet Knights ran off five straight points and it appeared as if they were going to extend the match to a fourth set.
However, the Huskies stayed relaxed the entire time and imposed their will on Rutgers with an 11-1 run to go ahead, 20-15. Rutgers was able to fend off a few match-point chances from the Huskies, but eventually a kill by Rebecca Murray put an end to things, 25-19.
Murray finished the match with seven kills, second only to Mickens. Libero Jessica Isaac had 19 of UConn's 60 digs for the match. Luhrsen contributed 12 digs to go with her 27 assists in another stellar performance.
Rutgers made 28 errors, too much to overcome a UConn squad that has won three straight games. Luhrsen attributed the team's win to its persistence and its ability to be more effective at running its offense than Rutgers could be.
Every player who got on the court for the Huskies recorded at least one dig, which allowed the team to have one of its highest outputs of the year in that category. Outside hitter Jordan Kirk said that was something the team wanted to focus on coming into the match, and so the players were happy to accomplish their goal.
Be the first to comment on this story