The Huskies took to the road to face the Providence Friars on Wednesday night. UConn came into this match seeking redemption after dropping two consecutive games last weekend to Xavier and DePaul, and it was redemption that they found taking the game 3-1. This marked the second time that the Huskies beat the Friars this season.
UConn started the first set with good momentum capitalizing on several errors from the Friars, putting them up 5-2. The Huskies continued to capitalize on the Friars’ errors and went on a 4-0 run with two consecutive kills from junior Doga Kutlu. Extending their lead to 11-6, Providence responded by going on a 4-0 run of their own and closing the Huskies lead to 11-10. Once the Friars gained momentum there seemed to be no stopping them. They capitalized on UConn’s errors to take the lead and went on several 3-0 runs. Building their lead up to 19-15, Connecticut attempted a comeback with two consecutive kills from graduate student Taylor Pannell and junior Hanna Tylska, closing the gap to 21-19. However, a four point run from the Friars gave them the first set 25-19.
Providence took charge early into the second set, going on consecutive scoring runs putting them up 11-3. The Huskies responded with kills from Tyslka, Pannell and freshman Loren Winn to close the lead to 10-13. The Huskies took advantage of their momentum by capitalizing on errors from the Friars’ offense and a kill by sophomore Grace Maria to tie the game at 15-all. Both teams traded points back and forth until the Huskies took the lead, after kills from Pannell and Tylska put them up 20-18. The Friars tried to regain the lead going on another 3-0 run. However the Huskies were not going down easily. They responded with a run of their own, and two consecutive service aces from Pannell, as well as a Kill from Tyslka is what put them over the edge. UConn won the second set 25-23, tying the game at 1-1.
Connecticut kept their momentum going in the third set. They took an early 8-3 lead after kills from Pannell, Maria and redshirt sophomore Aubrey Rome. Not to mention a service ace from freshman McKenna Brand. More kills from Pannell and errors from the Providence’s offense extended UConn’s lead to 12-6. From there on, the Huskies took control of the score board. Pouring in kills from Tylska, Rome, Maria, Pannell and Winn put the program up 24-17. The Friars tempted to mount a comeback going on a 4-0 scoring run. But their efforts were not enough as UConn won the second set 25-21. Gaining the lead of the game 2-1.
The Huskies came into the fourth set determined to get the win, taking an early one point lead. Providence returned with strong offensive plays, tying the game at seven all. The programs traded points tying once again at 9-9. However, the Friars continued to struggle with attack errors and UConn continued to mount a powerful offensive attack and took the lead 15-1. Providence, though, was not ready to give up and put up a five point scoring run of their own. The game came to another stand still after a kill from Winn, settling the score at 16-16. The Friars then took the lead at 20-18 after UConn struggled with offensive errors. However, the Huskies responded with a 3-0 run regaining the lead by one point. Though the score was close in the final moments of the set, in the end it was the Huskies that took the fourth set, 25-22. Taking their second victory this season against the Friars.
Connecticut will look to keep their momentum as they make their way back home to Storrs on Saturday, Nov. 2 to take on the Butler Bulldogs. This will be the second time they come face to face. UConn will be hoping to win the match and maintain their undefeated at home status.