University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
LIU
Huskies Sweep LIU in 2024 Season Opener
8/30/2024 9:05:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn.-Â Â The UConn Volleyball Team opened their 2024Â season on a high note against Long Island University, sweeping the Sharks in 3 straight sets Friday night at the revamped UConn Volleyball Center in Storrs.
The Huskies got off to a rapid start in the first set, as junior outside hitter Emma Werkmeister had three kills in a row to fire up a loud UConn crowd. UConn got off to an 8-1 start in the match, with the combined efforts of Werkmeister and graduate student Middle Blocker Taylor Pannell, as the two combinaed for 9 kills in the set.  Grace Maria had 6 digs in the first set to help the Huskies take the first set, 25-12.
UConn went down early in the second set, calling a timeout to regain momentum. Maria and Werkmeister each rattled off aces to cut the lead to 11-8, bringing the Huskies back into the set. Audrey Rome had two huge kills to cut the Long Island lead to one, 19-18. Rome and Werkmeister combined to help the rampant second set comeback as UConn took the second set, 25-23.
The third set was tightly contested, with UConn and LIU trading points back and forth. Jess Perry and Taylor Pannell had crucial kills, along with aces from Brenna Wyman and Werkmeister to give the Huskies a slim lead. The Sharks made a comeback of their own, rattling off 6 points in a row to take a 19-17 lead, forcing UConn to call a timeout.
Consistent with the theme all night, the veterans Werkmeister and Pannell came up clutch with three combined kills in a row to end the set and match for the Huskies, as UConn swept LIU 3-0 to open their season.
Werkmeister led the team with 17 kills, followed closely behind by Pannell with 14. Grace Maria and McKenna Brand had 12 digs apiece, while Doga Kutlu had 44 assists for the Huskies.Â
Bria Plante led the way for the Sharks with 8 kills.
Up Next:Â UConn continues its opening weekend tournament at home, taking on Youngstown State tomorrow at 5pm. LIU faces Sacred Heart in the earlier game at 2pm.
