Milwaukee, Wis. – DePaul’s volleyball team pulled off an exciting comeback against Milwaukee, winning 3-2 (32-34, 20-25, 25-16, 25-19, 18-16) on Wednesday night. This victory marks their second reverse sweep this season and their fourth consecutive win, bringing their record to 6-3.
Setter Amanda Saeger played a key role, reaching 1,000 career assists in the first set and finishing with a personal best of 56 assists. Interestingly, Saeger also scored the final point of the match, alongside tallying three kills and three blocks.
Katelynn Oxley shone brightly, racking up 17 kills and six blocks, matching that with Morgan Stewart’s 17 kills for the highest in the match. Martina Diana and Jade Dudley-Epps contributed significantly too, each scoring 11 kills. Dudley-Epps stood out defensively, leading with seven blocks.
Defensively, Eva Hurrle was crucial, making 34 digs—her first match with over 30 digs—while Ryan Gorski added 13 digs.
After the tough start in the first two sets, coach Marie Zidek praised her team for their resilience. “We had to decide whether to give up or push through. We made smarter choices, which allowed us to rally back,” she shared.
The first set was intense, with Milwaukee gaining an early four-point lead. DePaul tied it a few times but ultimately lost the set 34-32 after fighting off multiple set points. The second set was also competitive, but Milwaukee pulled ahead late to win 25-20.
In a shift of momentum, DePaul began to take control in the third set, winning decisively 25-16. They continued this streak in the fourth set, winning 25-19, thanks to strong serving and team play.
The fifth and final set saw Milwaukee attempt to regain control, but DePaul’s determination shone through. The set was closely contested, with DePaul tying it at 13 points and ultimately clinching the win at 18-16 through a strategic kill by Saeger.
In terms of individual performances, Josie Noble led Milwaukee with 16 kills.
As DePaul prepares for their upcoming matches against UIC on September 19 and Loyola Chicago on September 21, the team’s recent performance is a testament to their growth and resilience.
In sports, comebacks often build character and camaraderie, and this match was no exception. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of competition and the value of teamwork.
Source link
