University of Connecticut Athletics
University of Connecticut
5-0,0-0Big East
Ball State
2-3,0-0MAC
Volleyball Defeats Ball State Friday Afternoon
9/5/2025 8:58:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn.- UConn volleyball remained undefeated in 2025, taking down Ball State University in four sets (25-19, 26-24, 22-25, 25-20) on Friday at the UConn Volleyball Center. UConn secured the win with a strong offensive performance, recording 57 kills and a .262 hitting percentage.
The first set began with a steady exchange of points, but UConn soon gained momentum with a series of scoring runs. The Huskies took advantage of Ball State errors to build a lead at 7-4. Emma Werkmeister (Victor, N.Y.) played a key role, with multiple kills contributing to the team's advantage, highlighted by an ace at 19-13. UConn maintained its lead despite a late rally by Ball State, ultimately closing the set 25-19 with a decisive kill from Hanna Tylska (Sroda Wiekopolska, Poland).
The second set started with a quick exchange of points, but Ball State took the early 5-2 lead, capitalizing on consecutive UConn miscues. The Huskies found their rhythm with Anna Herman (Vincennes, Ind.) and Jess Perry (Nashville, Tenn.) delivering crucial kills to help close the gap. After a brief deficit, UConn mounted a comeback with Perry and Audrey Rome (Sandwich, IL) contributing to tie the score at 20-20. The set ended with UConn taking advantage of a Ball State miscue and an attack error by Carson Tyler, sealing a 26-24 set win.
The third set was a back-and-forth affair throughout. The Huskies started strong with Grace Maria (Arlington, Va.) scoring an early kill, but Ball State quickly gained momentum, capitalizing on a series of errors to lead 7-2. Doga Kutlu (Ankara, Turkey) conducted several scoring plays, including a key kill by Werkmeister to narrow the deficit to four. Despite a late rally from UConn, Ball State won the set 25-22.
The fourth set started strongly for the hosts, as Werkmeister delivered a kill to set the tone for a competitive frame. Maria and Perry executed a series of clutch kills, helping create a five-point run that put UConn ahead 17-13. The Huskies maintained their momentum, forcing Ball State errors, and finished the set with a 25-20 win, highlighted by a service error from the opposition.
Werkmeister led the team with 18 kills, adding six digs and two aces. Kutlu ran the offense with 44 assists and added 12 digs on defense. Brand anchored the defense with 20 digs, and Maria was efficient on offense with 12 kills on a .478 hitting percentage.
Hear from Head Coach Ellen Herman-Kimball:
On the Senior ClassÂ
"They have a level of maturity that every coach wants to have. I love them dearly like they're my family and I think that's reciprocated and it shows in difficult situations."
On carrying over last season's positive momentumÂ
"Last season created the belief that we can do great things. It can be dangerous, thinking it will automatically happen again. We did a lot of work in the offseason about creating an even more solid foundation for us. In terms of the on-court play, understanding we can push each other to the limits and have the respect to give the honesty people what they need to achieve what they want to achieve."Â
On the UConn volleyball program as a whole
"I think this team describes a level of belonging. I don't believe things need to be transactional. You can completely engulf yourself in the love and the passion of the sport and feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself. That's why I do what I do, I love to be a part of their growth and mentorship. This team works extremely hard, as do a lot of student-athletes around the country, and specifically here at UConn. I give a lot of credit to them, because it's hard to show up every day, go to class and play elite volleyball."Â
Up Next: UConn will face Colgate tomorrow afternoon to close out the weekend. The teams will face off at the UConn Volleyball Center, starting at 3 p.m.
