Nick Hinds

Freshman

Defender

Men’s Soccer

This season the Zips brought in two freshmen from Plantation, Florida, and 5-foot-7 forward Jonathan Lewis has been the most noticeable this season, leading the team with 11 assists and 15 points. However, Hinds is starting to give Lewis a run for his money as postseason play continues for the Zips. Hinds recorded one assist on Friday versus Western Michigan, then tallied two goals on Sunday in the Zips’ 2-1 victory over Buffalo, giving the Zips their fifth straight MAC Title. Hinds now has three goals and four assists, and will look to continue his hot postseason play on Thursday as the Zips host Villanova in the NCAA Tournament.

Alli Ball

Junior

Forward

Women’s Basketball

The University of Akron women’s basketball team will rely heavily on senior Hannah Plybon this season, so it will be very important that someone else will step up and score consistently. On Saturday versus Malone, it was Alli Ball, a 6-foot-1 junior from St. Louis. Ball totaled 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one block, and one assist against the Pioneers in 28 minutes of play. Ball led the Zips to a victory in the third quarter when the team was struggling. Down 29-25 with four and a half minutes left in the quarter, Ball reeled off 11 straight Zips points, giving Akron a 36-34 lead going into the fourth quarter. That led to Plybon sealing the victory with seven fourth-quarter free throws.

Ulysees Gilbert

Sophomore

Linebacker

Football

The Zips’ leading tackler through 11 games (116 tackles) played his best game as a Zip in last Wednesday’s loss to Bowling Green. He did everything he could defensively, recording 10 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble. He made life for the Falcons’ quarterback James Morgan a living nightmare, as Morgan completed just 11 of 23 passes for 105 yards and one interception. Gilbert now has four sacks, 11.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and three pass breakups this season as he has established himself as Akron’s best defensive player as a sophomore.

Jimond Ivey

Sophomore

Guard

Men’s Basketball

Ivey was a contributor to the team last season, but it looks like his role will increase significantly this year. After averaging just eight minutes and two points per game last season, Ivey played 19 minutes off the bench on Saturday. In the loss to Youngstown State, Ivey scored a career-high 14 points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds. He also had two assists, one steal, one 3-pointer, and made all three free throws. If Ivey continues to play like he did Saturday then he could find himself in the starting lineup if head coach Keith Dambrot decides to ditch his three point guard starting five.