University of Connecticut Athletics
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Wins by the Dozen: Volleyball Completes Undefeated Non-Conference Play, Sweep CCSU
9/21/2024 1:30:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
STORRS, Conn.-Â UConn Volleyball wrapped up their non-conference slate Saturday afternoon at the UConn Volleyball Center against in-state opponent Central Connecticut State.
The Huskies looked to fill the absence of kill and ace leader Emma Werkmeister, who missed her first match of the season. Quick kills from Audrey Rome and Loren Winn got UConn ahead early. The Blue Devils quickly knotted the score at 5 all, aided by two kills from Olivia Keckler. Taylor Pannell and Grace Maria were key in the balanced scoring attack, with two kills each to build a 14-8 UConn lead. Hanna Tylska and Rome continued to pace the Huskies throughout the first set, putting the pressure on CCSU. Aces from McKenna Brand and Brenna Wyman built an insurmountable first set lead, with Doga Kutlu closing the door as the Huskies took the first frame 25-13.
Anna Herman came on the floor for the Huskies and made her presence felt early with a kill to get UConn an early 5-1 lead in the second set. Winn kept up the strong play on the offensive end with 5 early kills to keep the Huskies ahead. Wyman and Kutlu showed off some offensive prowess as well, building the UConn lead to 12-6, forcing CCSU to call a timeout. Strong defensive plays from Winn, Herman, and Tylska put UConn in complete control in the second, speeding ahead to go up 19-10. CCSU inched closer with a 5-0 run with two more aces from Annabelle Denomme, getting UConn to call a timeout ahead 20-15. Grace Maria and Tylska finished off the second set for the Huskies, 25-18.Â
Herman recorded three kills in the opening moments of the third, as well as a block assist with Winn to get UConn in front 4-1. The freshmen duo of Herman and Winn kept up the lockdown defensive play, with Tylska pouring in her fourth ace of the match to send CCSU into another timeout with UConn rolling 11-2. The third set proved to be all Huskies, with Grace Maria and Taylor Pannell each putting in work on the offensive end with multiple kills each to get the lead all the way up to 22-6. Pannell, Tylska, and Jess Perry completed the team effort for the Huskies, as they swept CCSU to complete an undefeated non-conference slate at 12-0.
Winn led the way with 8 kills for the Huskies, with Pannell and Tylska not far behind with 7 each. Lauren Milani had 5 kills to lead the Blue Devils.
Up Next: UConn kicks off BIG EAST play on the road at Marquette on Friday, September 27th at 8pm. CCSU travels to Rhode Island to take on Bryant on Tuesday night.
