WHITEWATER, Wis. – The first volleyball match of the 2021 season proved to be a barnburner, as the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater battled back and forth through five sets on Wednesday night. Ultimately, the Warhawks came out on top by a 3-2 margin.

Wednesday's opener was UChicago volleyball's first match since the end of the 2019 season. The 2020 fall schedule was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Warhawks rode a hot-hitting offense to a quick 2-0 lead. They took the first set 25-21 on the strength of a .433 hitting percentage, then followed up by swinging .353 in the second set to win 25-14.

Despite the two-set deficit, the No. 9-ranked Maroons clawed their way back into the match. The defense started to slow down UWW's hitters, and UChicago held off a late push to snag the third set 25-23. The momentum continued into the fourth set, which the Maroons grabbed 25-20 to force a deciding fifth set.

Just when one team had the upper hand in the fifth, the other side responded. The back-and-forth game featured eight tied scores. However, UW-Whitewater shook off a match point at 14-13 and scored four of the next five points to prevail 17-15.

In the final stats, the Warhawks held sway in hitting percentage (.223 to .118) and blocks (12-6). UChicago first-year Emma Lotts led the offense with 12 kills and a .400 hitting percentage. Sophomore Ella Mao posted a double-double of 11 kills and 15 digs. Senior Audra Berg and junior Ellie Alden combined for 17 kills and six blocks. Sophomore Maya Patel and junior Maddie Ryan compiled 28 assists and 19 assists, respectively. Senior Temilade Adekoya racked up 22 digs and six assists.

NEXT MATCHES:

• Friday, Sept. 3 @ 12:00 PM / 7:30 PM – Lakeland University at UChicago / College of Saint Benedict at UChicago