By: Parker Perry

The Akron Zips volleyball team traveled to Milwaukee last weekend to participate in the UW-Milwaukee/Marquette Invitational.  Akron faced Wis-Milwaukee, Marquette and Southern Mississippi. They were unable to pick up a single win.

The Zips opened up play against Wis-Milwaukee. Despite Akron getting on the board early and taking the first set, they were not able to hold on to the lead. Wis-Milwaukee took the next three sets and were able to hand Akron their fifth lost of the season. Nevertheless, Akron Head Coach Ron Arenz was happy with how his team competed.

“Our focus was to go out and compete point to point,” Arenz stated. “That was apparent throughout the match. Against a team with a high IQ and seasoned for winning, I thought we were not too far from competing at that level.”

Later on the same day, Akron had an opportunity to upset Marquette. Marquette went into the tournament with a 5-3 record. Arenz said after the match that his team had to face curveballs they were not expecting to face.

The Golden Eagles were able to get on UA early. Taking the first set 16-25, it was an easy and decisive victory. Unfortunately for Akron, much of the same came in the second and third as MU handled the Zips to the tune of 16-25, 18-25 and 12-25.

Saturday, the Zips were scheduled to play Southern Mississippi. The Zips got a set behind early but came back and won the second and third 25-19 and 25-22. Despite the fight Akron showed, it was not enough, as Southern Miss was able to take the last two in relevantly blowout fashion to close the books on the tournament.

Arenz feels, despite the losses, that his team showed many positives and has a good foundation.

The Zips’ next contest will take place in Columbus when they play in the Ohio State Tournament. They are set to take on Albany, Maryland and Ohio State.

Following, Akron volleyball will open the Mid-American Conference schedule with two games at home, the first against Buffalo Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.  The Zips will face Ball State Sept. 24. Both contests will be played at James A. Rhodes Arena.