Decatur, IL – Millikin University women's volleyball opened the season with a thriller in Griswold Center versus the University of Chicago, who have received votes in the national top 25 poll rankings. This Tuesday evening match resulted in the Big Blue falling 3-1.
The Big Blue took the first set 25-23 after outworking the Maroons' energy and offense with a hitting percentage of .244.
Chicago then turned it around and snagged the following three sets by holding Millikin to 22 kills for the remainder of the match as their offense improved through the continuation of the match. The Maroons put up an additional 38 kills with a final hitting percentage of .207 and 52 kills.
Leading the Big Blue was Kyra Carothers with eight kills and eight blocks on a .333 hitting percentage, followed by Gabriella Ricci and Miley Quade, both with six kills. Alyssa Frederking carried the offense and back row with a team-high 18 assists and 14 digs, and Francesca Brandonisio joined her with eight digs on the strong Chicago offense. Millikin took control of the net by outblocking Chicago 12 to five.
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Although this loss put the Big Blue down (0-1), head coach Whitney Nichols believes things will begin to click as they are building up trust through these battles, adding that "it was a great first match and competition" to see where pivots need to be made.
Women's volleyball travels to Virginia Beach this weekend for doubleheaders with Saint Joseph's College of Maine and New Paltz on Friday, September 4 and No. 22 Batten University and Rowan University the following Saturday afternoon.
