SACRAMENETO, Calif. – The Nevada volleyball team defeated both Seattle U and UC Riverside in the final day of the Sacramento State Tournament. The Pack moves to 7-2 on season and 6-0 in neutral site matches.
Nevada swept the Redhawks of Seattle in three sets, 25-18,25-18 and 25-19 but the Highlanders of UC Riverside took the Pack to five sets before falling 3-2.
Kayla Afoa has been the consistent work horse for Nevada and today was no different. The sophomore outside hitter combined for 39 kills on the day with 23 of those coming against UC Riverside, a new career high. Afoa also recorded a double-double in each of the matches bringing her up to six on the year. The Honolulu native was named to the All-Tournament Team after her stellar performance.
Another consistent name is junior setter
Dalyn Burns, she joined Afoa in recorded two double-double on the day and had a combined 85 assists in the matches. She also had 11 digs and four block assists against UC Riverside to help the defense hold off the Highlanders.
A sophomore defensive specialist
Ashley Maki, stepped up today and tallied eight service aces against UC Riverside. With those eight aces, she moves into first on the individual match records for Nevada. The Modesto native was named to the All-Tournament Team for her performance.
"We lost two starters after the morning match and the team could have hung their heads but instead we had some players step up and the whole group went hard to grind out a tough win," said head coach
Lee Nelson.
One of those players that was asked to step up was
Camryn Rocha. The junior outside hitter came out against UC Riverside and had a standout match, notching 16 kills on 45 attacks.
The evening match against UC Riverside was a back-and-forth game, that can be seen by the 19 ties and lead changes. With the sets even at two a piece, the fifth set was the deciding factor. The Pack jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, by way of two service aces via Maki. The Highlanders tried to whittle away at the deficit but Nevada just kept swinging.
Nevada called timeout, up 8-6, to regroup and finished out the fifth set only allowing UC Riverside to score three more points. Rocha sealed the match with the final kill of the day.
The Pack continues the road swing at Saint Mary's on Thursday, Sept. 13 in Moraga, Calif. First serve is set for 7 p.m. PT. Nevada then travels to University of the Pacific on Saturday, Sept. 15 for a noon match in Stockton, Calif. to wrap up preseason.
Nevada opens conference play in the Virginia Street Gym when they host the Rams of Colorado State on Thursday, Sept 20 at 6:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are now on sale at NevadaWolfPack.com.
