Volleyball Splits With Minnesota Foes In Day 1 At UIndy Invite

Playing in a road tournament for the second weekend in a row, Ashland University's volleyball team split its first two matches at the UIndy Invitational on Friday (Sept. 2), winning 3-1 over Minnesota State-Mankato (25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 25-22) and losing 3-1 to No. 21-ranked Minnesota Duluth (25-20, 26-28, 25-16, 25-20).
 
The Eagles, receiving votes in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division II coaches poll, are 3-4 after the young season's first seven matches.
 
WHAT HAPPENED

• Ashland had strong performances from several players in Friday's victory. Fifth-year senior outside hitter Erin Krupar (16), sophomore outside hitter Makenna Belcher (13) and sophomore right-side hitter GraceAnn Hartman (10) each had double-digit kills, while fifth-year setter Zoey Peck dished out 45 assists.
• On defense, the Eagles saw five players finish with 10 or more digs – junior libero Katie Thompson (26), Krupar (20), senior defensive specialist Stephanie Smith (13), Peck (11) and Belcher (10). Of AU's 18 block assists, a third (six) came from senior middle blocker Anna Krikke.
• The match with Mankato featured 24 ties and 11 lead changes.
• In the loss to Duluth, Krupar ended with 15 kills, and Hartman and Belcher each had 13. Peck collected 42 assists and 11 digs, and Thompson added 20 digs.

 
UP NEXT
The Eagles will play their final two matches in Indianapolis on Saturday (Sept. 3) at noon against Missouri-St. Louis and at 6 p.m. vs. Bentley.