CHICAGO — After Auburn’s last match in Tallahassee, where the Tigers earned a 3-1 victory over Florida State, the team continued its winning streak with a victory over the University of Illinois Chicago on the road.
Auburn opened the first set with a 6-0 advantage before UIC battled back. The Flames tied the score at 11-11 behind a kill from outside hitter Tamara Kisic. It would only be a matter of time before Auburn regained control, 15-13, heading into the media timeout.
The Flames and the Tigers traded points throughout the set, with UIC outside hitter Emma Colombari recording back-to-back kills to tie the score at 21. UIC took a 23-21 lead before Auburn rallied as defensive specialist Symone Sims kept the set alive. This set up a kill by Auburn junior Belle Patrick to claim the first set, 26-24, in extra points.
UIC opened the second set with a 5-3 lead, until Patrick recorded two kills and two aces. The Tigers continued to control the set, using a 12-3 run to go ahead 21-10 before closing out the set, 25-13, with a 4-1 run. Auburn middle blocker Kate Mansfield stopped UIC attacks with four blocks and two kills in the set, while the Tigers added four aces.
The Flames looked to mount a comeback in the third set. Kisic recorded the first of four kills as UIC took early control, 7-4 and 10-7. Auburn responded with a five-point run to move in front. The teams traded points throughout the set before Auburn took a 21-18 lead, with back-to-back blocks by Havlicek and Anastasija Ivkovic. The final set point was then secured by Auburn from Patrick’s team-high 16th kill of the match. Auburn won the set and the match over UIC.
Auburn head coach Brent Crouch said the Tigers still have room to improve despite the win.
“I’m happy to start the weekend with a win and continue the momentum on the road,” Crouch said. “I would’ve liked to see a more consistent effort throughout the match, but I am happy with the way we responded in the second set.
The Tigers will next face Central Michigan in their second match of the DePaul Invitational.
