CHICAGO, Ill. – The Drake volleyball team opened their 2022 Missouri Valley Conference schedule with a 3-1 victory (25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-20) at UIC this evening. The Bulldogs' win improved their season record to 10-4 overall and 1-0 in league action.
Both teams went on respective runs in the initial stages of the first set. UIC jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the Bulldogs climbed within one point. Drake gained some control in the middle portion of the set with another 4-0 run to take a 13-9 lead. UIC managed to crawl closer but could not keep up with the Bulldog attack as Drake won the first set.
The second set saw similar action with the Flames eventually grabbing an 23-22 advantage late in the set. UIC benefitted from two-straight Drake errors and a Zahria Woodard kill to take the set and even the match at one apiece.
The Bulldogs never looked back the rest of the way with convincing wins in the final two sets. UIC did their best to challenge the visitors with a late 4-0 run in the third and another 5-0 rally in the fourth but could not match the Bulldogs' blows.
Haley Bush led all players with 16 kills followed by
Mariana Rodrigues with 15.
Addison Beagle recorded 49 assists and three service aces, both match-bests.
Jada Wills led Drake with 10 digs.
"I'm really proud of the team and our staff tonight," Head coach
Darrin McBroom stated. "We went into the match with a clear game plan and our players executed exceptionally well. UIC is a really good team with some big wins this season so to come here and get a win on their court to open conference play is a big deal."
The Dogs will continue MVC play tomorrow evening with a matchup at Valparaiso.
NOTES
- Addison Beagle's three service aces set a new career high.
- Kacie Rewerts recorded eight total blocks, a new season best.
- Drake's win marked their fourth-straight victory in the MVC opener.
