MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The Rockford University volleyball team opened NACC play Tuesday night on the road against the Alverno College Inferno. The Regents came into Tuesday's match with a little extra motivation as they were not only looking to avenge last season's loss to the Inferno but were also looking to win their NACC opener for the first time since 2011. Rockford accomplished both of those tasks winning in straight sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-16.
Despite what the score may indicate, it was a hotly contested match nearly the entire way testing the Regents from all angles. In the opening set Rockford found themselves down 22-17; however, the ladies never gave up hope. From that moment forward, the Regents came roaring back and won 8 of the final 9 points to take the opening set and a 1-0 lead. The second set had a bit of a different feel to it as the Regents and Inferno battled back-and-forth nearly the entire way culminating with the two schools tied at 21-21. Once again just like in the first set, Rockford closed strong winning the final 4 points to win set two 25-21. The Regents then transfered that momentum into the third set cruising to a 25-16 win and a 3-0 sweep of the Inferno.
Individually the Regents played well offensively but really shined on the defensive side of the court. Freshman Ashley Simmons (Naperville, Ill./North) had probably her best match of the season. Simmons recorded a match-high 13 kills along with 11 digs and 3 block assists. Senior Katelyn Hasken (Lanark, Ill./Eastland) continued her stellar play with double-digit kills for the seventh time this season. Hasken finished with 10 kills, 9 digs, 3 block assists and Rockford's lone ace. Junior Kayla Kurz (Franklin Grove, Ill./Ashton-Franklin Center) was a force at the net for the Regents. Kurz had 5 kills, a match-high 6 block assists and Rockford's only block solo. Finally, sophomore setter Taylor Rossi (Ingleside, Ill./Grant Community) recorded a match-high 33 assists along with 10 digs and 5 kills.
The Regents volleyball team returns to action on Friday, September 19th with a pair of home matches. Rockford will play an exhibition contest against Sauk Valley Community College at 4 PM followed by match against Beloit College at 8 PM. Both will take place in the Seaver Center on the campus of Rockford University.
