Women’s Soccer

The University of Akron women’s soccer team picked up its first conference win of the season on Thursday in a major upset versus Central Michigan, 3-2.

The Zips improved to 4-9-4 (1-4-4 MAC) while Central Michigan fell to 13-2-2 (5-2). Akron picked up its first win since Sept. 8 versus Robert Morris.

The win was a surprise considering the success of the Chippewas this season, and it was even more surprising as the Zips were losing 2-0 with six minutes remaining in regulation. However, in the 84th minute Ashley Amato registered her fourth goal of the season on an assist from Shea O’Brien.

Then, with just 43 seconds left in the game sophomore defender Kiana Zuk (Windsor, Ontario) scored her first career goal to tie the game at two. The goal came off a header off a corner kick, the Zips’ eighth and final corner kick of the night.

The Zips then scored another late goal with just over one minute left in the second overtime to win the game, as Julia Crowe scored her first of the season.

Samara Yurchak started in goal for the second straight game, and she didn’t disappoint. Yurchak made nine saves on the 11 shots that she faced. It was the first career win for the redshirt-freshman, and she has allowed two goals on 22 shots in her first collegiate season.

The Zips then played again on Sunday at home versus Eastern Michigan, falling 1-0. Yurchak sat out as Annabelle Hegeman got back in net, but one can’t blame her for the loss. Hegeman made six saves on seven shots, and the Zips’ offense couldn’t get going to back her up. The Zips had just two shots on goal as their record fell to 4-10-4 (1-5-4).

Akron will finish up its regular season on Thursday at Buffalo. Game time versus the Bulls is scheduled for 12 p.m.

Volleyball

The Zips’ volleyball team also won its first conference game of the season, beating Central Michigan 3-2 on Saturday. The Zips won by sets of 26-24, 25-23, 21-25, 23-25, and 15-8.

The Zips improved to 6-16 on the season, while going to 1-9 in Mid-American Conference games. The Chippewas fell to 9-13 and 3-7 on the season.

Freshman Elya Karsner played well again for the Zips, leading the team with 13 kills off the bench. Patience Brown and Madi Baer (Stow, Ohio) each added 11 kills to lead the Zips to victory for the first time since Sept. 17 versus Winthrop.   

The Zips will return to the court on Friday when they host rival Kent State at 7 p.m. Then they will play another rival, the Ohio University Bobcats, on Saturday at 5 p.m. Both matches will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena in Akron.