Aces fall in road finale
UE home on Wednesday to face Indiana State
VALPARAISO, Ind. – Angelica Gonzalez recorded a match-high 11 kills in Saturday’s road match that saw the University of Evansville volleyball team fall by a 3-0 final at Valparaiso.
Ainoah Cruz had another strong defensive performance, totaling 25 digs. Kora Ruff added 21 assists and 10 digs. Elise Swistek finished the night with 10 kill to lead the way for the Beacons.
Set 1 – Valpo 25, UE 21
Gonzalez got the night started with a kill and the Purple Aces jumped out to a 7-5 lead. The Beacons knotted the score at 8-8 before Gonzalez’ third kill of the match opened a 4-0 stretch that put UE on top at 12-8. Kora Ruff recorded a service ace during the run. Carlotta Pascual tallied a kill that solidified a 14-11 Evansville lead and that is when Valpo rallied with four in a row to go in front at 15-14.
Despite the rally, UE got back on track as a Chloe Cline kill opened a 4-0 run that gave the Aces an 18-16 lead. Once again, VU had the answer. Trailing 20-18, they finished the set on a 7-1 run to take the set.
Set 2 – Valpo 25, UE 19
Evansville enjoyed another solid start to game two. Josdarilee Caraballo picked up a kill that gave her squad a 7-4 lead. Three in a row by the Beacons tied it up before the Aces went back in front at 11-9 when Maddie Hawkins registered an ace. The teams swapped the lead on multiple occasions in the middle portion of the set, leading to a 19-18 Valpo lead. Another late rally saw the Beacons scored six of the last seven points to take a 2-0 match lead.
Set 3 – Valpo 25, UE 12
With the score tied at 2-2, the Beacons reeled off eight in a row to take a commanding 10-2 lead. From there, they would go on to clinch the match with a 25-12 decision.
On Wednesday, the Aces welcome Indiana State for a 6 p.m. match to complete the regular season.
-www.GoPurpleAces.com-
