Tulane University
4-15,0-7AAC
Wichita State
12-5,6-1AAC
The Green Wave Falls in a Nail Biter to Wichita State
Oct 13, 2023 | Women's Volleyball
NEW ORLEANS- Tulane (4-15) was bested by Wichita State (12-5) in a close five-set match.
Freshman outside hitter, Avery Burks, finished the match with a career high 24 kills and a .304 hitting percentage. Ilayda Demirtas was the second-highest contributor offensively finishing the match with 10 kills. Mackenzie Mahr also had a career-high match finishing with 7 kills.
Setter Laura Fiabane set a career high in assists dishing out 46. Defensively, middle blocker Orsula Staka, finished the match with eight blocks, setting a season high.
The first set started as a back-and-forth battle from the jump. Wichita State struck first but Tulane had answers until the set was tied 14-14. The Shockers claimed the next two points and led for the remainder of the set. Wichita State took the first set, 25-20.
The second set began much like the first. Wichita State jumped ahead and led Tulane by five at 17-12, but the Green Wave was not finished yet. Tulane had 3 back-to-back points to get back within three. Back-to-back service aces from Lauryn Burrows tied the match at 18-18. The Green Wave gained the lead and the momentum and claimed the set, 25-20.
The third set was another extremely close beginning. The two teams were trading the lead until the score was tied, 12-12. The Shockers had back-to-back errors that gave the Green Wave the lead and it kept it for the remainder of the set. Tulane took the set and the lead, 25-21.
The third set began more dominantly for Wichita State. After the score was tied 1-1, the Shockers had three answered kills to take the momentum and the lead. Despite a late comeback attempt from Tulane, Wichita State led for the entirety of the set and won, 25-20.
The fifth set began and went to a quick 3-3 score. The Shockers scored unanswered points and began taking the momentum. However, a determined Green Wave team remained nipping at their heels and ended up tying the match 8-8. Wichita State claimed the next two points which forced a Tulane timeout. After the timeout the Green Wave came back and tied the match 11-11. A Tulane service error gave the Shockers the lead and they ended up claiming the set and the match, 15-13.
The Green Wave will have a quick turnaround opportunity to face off against Wichita State Saturday at 12:30. Tickets can be purchased at TulaneTix.com.
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