FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Tiffin University volleyball team concluded play at the Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic on Saturday afternoon, falling to Minnesota State in straight sets (25-13, 25-15, 25-22) inside Alaska Airlines Gymnasium.
After dropping the opening two sets, the Dragons put together their strongest stretch of the match in the third frame. Tiffin battled back from an early deficit and eventually tied the set at 22-22 following back-to-back service aces from
Lexi Barber. However, Minnesota State responded with the final three points to complete the sweep.
The Dragons were led offensively by
Parker Vackert, who tallied a team-high nine kills while hitting .429.
Symari Scott added seven kills, and
Katelyn Owens chipped in four kills. Setter
Kat Akolzin dished out 25 assists while libero
Morgan Morley anchored the back row with a team-high 11 digs.
Tiffin improved throughout the contest, posting a team attack percentage of .333 in the third set after being limited to negative hitting percentages in each of the opening two frames. The Dragons finished the match with 27 kills and a .056 hitting percentage while recording five service aces.
Minnesota State was paced by Addison Foor, who finished with 10 kills, while Lily Riese matched a team-high 10 as Jadyn Lester contributed 30 assists and 14 digs. The Mavericks hit .352 as a team and totaled nine blocks in the victory.
The loss wraps up Tiffin's weekend at the Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic, where the Dragons faced three nationally competitive opponents during their trip to Alaska. The 'Gons will open up conference play welcoming crosstown rivals Findlay to the Gilmor Gymnasium for a 2 p.m. matchup on Saturday, Sept. 12.
