University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
Villanova University
Huskies Rally to Beat Villanova
3/6/2021 8:06:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
VILLANOVA, Penn. – The UConn women's volleyball team won three straight sets to take down Villanova on Saturday night. The Huskies improve to 2-3 overall with a 2-2 mark in Big East play, while the Wildcats fall to 2-2 on the year and 1-1 in conference play.
How it Happened
Villanova jumped out to 13-4 lead and maintained control of the set. Despite a UConn comeback, the Wildcats would take the first set 25-19 and lead 1-0 on the match. The Huskies would bounce back quickly in the second set, taking a 17-12 lead to open up what was a close a start to the set. They would hold on to even the match at 1-1 with a 25-19 victory in the second frame.
The third set saw the Huskies fall behind 12-6 at the midway mark of the set. UConn would again show plenty of fight and battle back with an 11-5 run to even the score at 17-17. An 8-4 run to close out the set gave the Huskies a 2-1 lead in the match, winning set three 25-21.
In the fourth and final set, UConn continued to roll and apply pressure on the Wildcats. The Huskies trailed once in the set, with the score 3-2 early on. After an 11-3 run, UConn led 13-6, forcing Villanova into a timeout. Following the break, the Huskies efforts on both sides of the court were too much for the Wildcats, as UConn claimed a 25-20 set victory and went on to win the match 3-1.
Husky Leaders
Plenty of positives for the Huskies in Saturday's win, with another balanced effort on both sides on the court. Junior Kennadie Jake-Turner left her mark all over the court, tallying seven kills hitting at a .333 clip, five digs, three blocks, and one service ace on the night. Redshirt junior Courtney Morris bolstered the Husky offense and defense, grabbing team-highs with 30 assists and 13 digs. Junior Caylee Parker led the team with 13 kills, adding one service ace, nine digs, and two blocks. Sophomore Allie Garland contributed to the offense as well, recording seven kills and added three blocks on the night.
The Huskies well-rounded defense was key in Saturday's victory over the Wildcats. Sophomores Mia Ruffolo and Aset Baker-Falealili tallied 12 digs each. Redshirt senior Genna Florig led the team with eight total blocks and added four kills of her own.
Up Next
UConn heads to Philadelphia for an afternoon matchup with former American Athletic Conference rival Temple University on Sunday afternoon. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:00pm.
