Michigan bounces back in 3-1 win against Akron

 After its win against Sacramento State on Thursday, the Michigan volleyball team attempted to extend its win streak against Akron on Friday. 

Though the first two sets were back-and-forth affairs, Michigan (8-0) eventually got into the swing of things and beat Akron (3-6), 3-1.

Failing to set a dominant tone in the first set of the match, the Wolverines were caught off guard by Akron’s quick offensive runs. Michigan frequently fell victim to the Zips’ aggressive play style, even when the Wolverines managed to force Akron out of its system. Even still, Michigan kept the fight alive, never letting the Zips increase their lead by more than two points. However, by the end of the first set, the Wolverines were overcome by Akron’s offense and fell 28-26. 

The second set was not much different for Michigan — it looked one step behind offensively. In the middle of the set, the Wolverines even let the Zips extend their lead by five points. 

With a slight yet impressive nonetheless comeback, Michigan was inching its way to tie the match at one set apiece. With the help of graduate outside hitter Allison Jacobs’ attacking tips, blocks and kills, the Wolverines closed out the second set, 26-24. 

There was a stark contrast between the Michigan squad that played in the first two sets and the one that came out swinging at the start of the third. As sophomore setter Morgan Burke served consistently, the Wolverines commanded an 8-0 run to start the third set. 

“We had Morgan Burke as our first server in that, and she did an incredible job just putting really early pressure to go up 4-0, cause a time out, that just puts a team on their heels,” Michigan coach Erin Virtue said. “So it made a good offensive team, up to that point, it made them have to adjust and make some other choices in their offensive game.” 

Building on the lead that Burke helped create, the offensive swings started to land, and this agressive play dictated an assertive 25-13, third-set win.

As the fourth set began, Jacobs again proved to be a great asset for the Wolverines. If the experienced outside hitter didn’t end a rally with a kill, she contributed to rallies by passing and setting up her teammates, displaying a scrappy and dedicated defensive mindset. 

“Allison is somebody that we ask a lot from,” Virtue said. “So in her position … she’s passing, attacking, blocking, defending, serving. I mean, just every skill in the book.” 

As a result of Jacobs’ leadership and versatility, Michigan found its rhythm and settled into its familiar playing style.

Akron didn’t lose its fight in the fourth set though, as the Zips trailed the Wolverines closely throughout. Finally, Michigan was able to zip away, and graduate outside hitter Kendyl Reaugh delivered two lethal blows too powerful for Akron to handle, ending the fourth set, 25-17. With that, the Wolverines concluded the match, winning 3-1. 

“It took us longer than I wanted to to get adjusted,” Virtue said. “ … But I was proud of the way that we made some adjustments with our block and defense and our serve to be able to slow their offense down.” 

Michigan may have been out of rhythm to start, but it no doubt recovered its flow. The Wolverines took to heart the ‘keep swinging’ mentality, never backing away from a chance to dominate, and that aggression fueled their comeback. 

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