University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
15-15, 7-10AAC
Wichita State
12-16, 7-10AAC
Huskies shock the Shockers, 3-0
11/18/2018 1:19:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Well-balanced attack spearheaded by Turner and Parker double-double
STORRS, Conn.—The UConn (15-15, 7-10 AAC) women's volleyball team hosted the Wichita State Shockers (12-16, 7-10 AAC) in an early bird redeeming 3-0 match on Sunday morning. This victory was led by double-doubles from freshman Caylee Parker and senior Emma Turner.
Newest Husky, Elsa Nocton enjoyed her team's victory on a day they set aside specifically for her, "Elsa Nocton Day". The day included Elsa, joined by the Mansfield Middle School chorus under the direction of Mr. Johnson, singing the National Anthem and being recognized with her mother during intermission.
The Huskies opened the match taking the first set 25-21. Trailing Wichita State to begin the set, UConn rallied to tie it up at 17 all via a kill by Parker. With the momentum now in favor of the Huskies, the uphill climb to take the set. An immediate service ace by Turner, followed by a pair of kills from senior Danielle Cabel, and finishing it off with a strike into Shocker territory from sophomore Ally Barrettto make the score 21-17, UConn and forcing a Wichita State timeout. In the final push to 25—Parker, Barrett, and freshman Kennadie Jake-Turner combined for the four additional kills needed to wall of the Shockers.
In Set Two the Huskies took over early, allowing their well-balanced attack to earn them points on through both their offense and defense—disrupting the Shockers causing mishaps. At 3 all, Wichita State's bad set followed by an Iman McGary—senior,kill put the lead out at 6-3 UConn. Piling on the points from both sides of the court, the Huskies tabbed a service ace, kills from McGary and Parker as well as an attack error on the Shockers. At the Wichita State timeout UConn led 15-9 and pulled away from there on out. Later on, in the set the Shockers would call another timeout to reevaluate but it would be too late. In the final moments of the set Turner would post a kill, in addition to a service ace from senior Elizabeth Kline, and a McGary special would seal the second set for the Huskies at 25-18. UConn would head into the intermission riding a 3-0 scoring run.
The third and what would eventually be the final set was the most thrilling of the morning, having seven ties and three lead changes. Getting things rolling for the Huskies was Cabel, coming off a beautiful set by Turner for. McGary followed suit with a kill of her own and the UConn defense did its part by forcing a pair of several errors and a bad set Leading up to a Wichita State timeout, the Huskies were on a 4-0 scoring run in addition to a 13-9 advantage. the Shockers responded with a little run of their own, going 3-0 at the corresponding Husky timeout, with the lead 23-20 for UConn. Wasting no time exiting the timeout, the Huskies tacked on another point this time coming on a kill from Barrett. Wichita State returned the favor and propelled themselves over 20 points. However, a costly attack error would give UConn the point needed to take the set at 25-21.
Throughout the course of the match the Huskies hit an impressive percentage; 76-percent in the first, 73-percent in the second, and 76-percent in the third. UConn was able to hold Wichita State to 63-percent or less hitting percentage during the match.
This well-balanced collective attack showed in the stats sheet as each and every Husky that touched the court made an impact. UConn edged out Wichita State in points (53), kills (47), aces (3), blocks (3), assists (41), and digs (62). Turner and Parker both concluded the match with a double-double to make 14 and 13 respective double-doubles on the season.
Six of the nine Huskies to take the court nabbed at least five kills or more, with Parker leading the way at 12. Cabel and Turner were the two who ended the match hitting at .500 or higher, Cabel--.636 and Turner--.545. To add to her 30 assists on the morning, Turner also posted a service ace and 17 digs. Joining her in double-digit digs and service aces were Parker and Kline—14/1 and 12/1 respectively. In the block category, McGary and Jake-Turner had a pair each in addition to Barrett's block assist.
UConn will look to take the season series next Wednesday, Nov. 28th at 1:00 p.m. as they host Temple in the final match of the 2018 season.
