Seven Heaven: Huskies Sweep Delaware State on Friday Night to Stay Undefeated
STORRS, Conn.- UConn Volleyball continued their torrid start to the 2024 season, sweeping Delaware State in straight sets to move to 7-0 on the season.
Loren Winn made her first start for the Huskies after a strong showing last weekend in the only change to the starting lineup. In the first set, back to back aces from Emma Werkmeister got the Huskies off to a good start as they took an 11-7 opening first set lead. Errors frustrated UConn, forcing the home team to call timeout after a 6-0 Hornets run. The relentless Huskies took 7 of the next 9 points, with big kills from Taylor Pannell and Werkmeister to force a Delaware State timeout and fire up a loud U-C-O-N-N chant to take the lead 18-16. Kills from Audrey Rome and Grace Maria, finished with an ace from McKenna Brand capped off the set as UConn battled back to take the first frame, 25-17.
In the second set, it was more of the same from Werkmeister, who got the Huskies started with two kills right away. UConn showed off on the defensive end as well, with blocks from Taylor Pannell and Grace Maria. Back to back aces from Doga Kutlu got the UConn Volleyball Center to its feet, as the Huskies built up a 15-8 second set lead. Brenna Wyman and Kutlu made incredible plays to finish long rallies, and Winn came up with a big kill to hold off the Delaware State comeback, securing the second set 25-20.
Multiple kills apiece from Pannell and Werkmeister gave UConn good momentum early in set 3. The teams traded errors throughout the set, with the Huskies holding onto a 15-11 lead going into the media timeout. More clutch plays from Kutlu, Werkmeister and Maria ignited the UConn crowd. Delaware State got back into it with back to back aces from Paige Ahakuelo, but the Huskies rattled off the last four points of the set to take it, 25-16 and sweep the Hornets on Friday night.
Up Next: UConn continues the Dog Pound Challenge tomorrow afternoon against the University of Albany at 4:00 p.m. Delaware State will play UAlbany at 12:30 p.m. and Dartmouth at 6:00 p.m. to conclude their weekend in Storrs.
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