Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
13-17, 4-14B1G
Maryland
13-17, 5-13B1G
Wildcats Battle to Best Maryland, 3-2
11/24/2019 3:06:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
COLLEGE PARK, MD. – Northwestern played five sets and came away with a hard-fought win against Maryland Sunday afternoon, 3-2. This marks their fourth Big Ten win and puts the Wildcats on a two-game win streak.
Junior Nia Robinson led the Wildcat offense with 19 kills, matching her season high set against Indiana in October. Two more 'Cats joined Robinson with double digit kills, fellow junior Alana Walker and first-year Temi Thomas-Ailara. Thomas-Ailara contributed 15 kills and a solo block to continue a 5-0 run for the Wildcats in the second set. Walker posted 17 kills, smashing through her previous career high of 15 set last year against Iowa, while contributing three blocks and two aces.
First-year Desiree Becker and junior Ella Grbac were also contributors, combining for 14 kills and 5 blocks. Sophomore Michelle Lee stood alongside Walker contributing two aces. Graduate transfer Payton Chang had whopping 53 assists, matching her season high set against Rutgers.
The 'Cats started with an early lead against the Terrapins in the first set, but were unable to fend them off and ultimately fell 25-17. Northwestern started off strong during the second set with a 3-0 run but Maryland quickly pulled ahead. The Wildcats fought back with an amazing 5-0 run and the set ended in a nail-biting battle for set-point. A kill from Thomas-Ailara won it for Northwestern and tied up the match at one a piece.
Maryland couldn't hold the 'Cats back in the third set, unable to stop dominant performances from Walker or Robinson. Northwestern took the third set 25-17. The fourth set was evenly-matched, neither team grasping more than a three-point. The Wildcats ultimately fell 25-22.
The fifth and final set was hotly contested with several calls by the coaches for play reviews. However, Northwestern was able to continue its dominant performance taking the set 15-8 and winning the game.
The 'Cats will remain on the road and are back in action against Illinois on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
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