One of the longest winning streaks in the history of Ashland College/University volleyball came to an end on Saturday (Oct. 15) afternoon…but not without a fight.
In their third and final match at the 2022 Midwest Region Crossover on Saturday, the Eagles, receiving votes in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, lost 3-2 to Quincy in a matchup of two of the top teams in the region.
Ashland is 18-6 overall after seeing its 15-match win streak snapped, and the Hawks are 19-1 after their fifth consecutive victory.
Even in defeat, there still was a milestone for AU. Senior middle blocker
Anna Krikke broke the Eagle single-match record for block assists with 11. Krikke finished with two solo blocks as well, for 13 total stuffs.
WHAT HAPPENED
- Fifth-year outside hitter Erin Krupar led the offense with 18 kills and a .304 hitting percentage, while also adding 17 digs on defense. Sophomore outside hitter Makenna Belcher added 15 kills and 10 digs, sophomore outside hitter GraceAnn Hartman had 12 kills and six block assists, and Krikke added 11 kills and a .345 hit percentage.
- Senior setter Zoey Peck finished with 47 assists and 12 digs, while six Eagles had double-digit digs – junior libero Katie Thompson (24), Krupar, senior defensive specialist Stephanie Smith (15), sophomore defensive specialist Lauren Welch (13), Peck, and Belcher.
- Following the tournament, Krikke, Krupar and Peck all earned all-tournament team recognition.
UP NEXT
Ashland (11-0 Great Midwest), the last undefeated team in conference play in the region, will return to Great Midwest Athletic Conference action on Friday (Oct. 21) at 7 p.m. at Trevecca Nazarene (16-8, 8-3).
