Huskies Fall in Five Sets at Home

STORRS, Conn. – The UConn volleyball team (7-22, 2-15 BIG EAST) fell to the Georgetown Hoyas in five sets on Friday evening at home in Storrs. The Huskies honored their seniors in a post-game ceremony on the court. 

The Huskies came out firing on all cylinders at their senior day game, with two massive blocks in a row to start the first set. UConn kept the energy up as they went 12-5 over the Hoyas early on. After a timeout from Georgetown, the Hoyas got their footing in the set, tying it up at 16 apiece and a close match ensued. After five kills from Cera Powell, four kills from Emma Werkmeister, and four digs from Karly Berkland, the Huskies were victorious in the first set, 25-22.

The second set proved to be tougher for the Huskies, as Georgetown came out strong to avenge their previous loss. The Hoyas forced a UConn timeout early into the match after going up 4-0. The Huskies still trailed 8-1 until they went on a 5-1 run to cut the Georgetown lead to three. After four kills from Powell, another four from Taylor Pannell, and three digs from Berkland, the Huskies couldn't make up the difference and conceded the set 25-20 to the Hoyas.

Tied at one set apiece, the Huskies took the lead early and kept it for entirety of the third set. Georgetown was forced into a timeout at 17-9, but couldn't catch up to the strong offensive play by UConn, even after a strong attempt as the Huskies sat at set point. UConn's offense was led by Powell and Werkmeister with three kills apiece, the defense was held down by Berkland with six digs and Carly Furlong with three blocks.

The Huskies and Hoyas battled it out in the fourth set. UConn took an early lead that was quickly cut and overtaken by Georgetown. The Huskies trailed for the rest of the match, but made a comeback as the Hoyas were nearing set point. UConn ultimately fell in the fourth set 25-23. Powell had a game-high seven kills, while Berkland recorded five digs. The game was sent to a final fifth set.

In the final set of the game, the Huskies and Hoyas traded leads as they battled it out to 15 points. Georgetown reached eight points first and the teams traded sides. From there, UConn tied it up, but couldn't catch up to the Hoyas and they lost the match, 15-11.

Powell ended the game with 22 kills, while Werkmeister had 12, and Panell and Jess Perry each had 11. Berkland tallied 22 digs in the loss and Doga Kutlu notched 55 assists. Carly Furlong and Pannell each blocked five attempts.

Up Next

The Huskies will stay home as they take on the Villanova Wildcats tomorrow at 6pm in the UConn Volleyball Center.