TicketsCINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati women’s volleyball program fell to Michigan, 3-1, inside Fifth Third Arena on Sunday afternoon.
Despite a first-set comeback victory, the Bearcats could not slow down the Wolverines' strong offense.
Junior Sydney Nolan recorded her fifth career match with 20 or more kills, finishing with 20, while senior Carly Glendinning added 15. Redshirt freshman Brooke Crummel chipped in six kills and three blocks, coming through in key moments.
Sophomore setter Andi Spies dished out 29 assists for her second straight double-digit performance. Sophomore libero Lilly Gillespie anchored the defense with a team-high 19 digs.
In the first set, Michigan grabbed an early 9-5 lead, but Cincinnati kept it close with kills from Crummel and Glendinning. Thanks to a powerful rally-ending kill by Glendinning, the Bearcats were able to come within four (17-13). Down by as many as nine, UC was able to tie it up at 22 apiece. A Cincinnati comeback fueled by Nolan and Glendinning allowed the Bearcats to claim the set, 27-25.
The second set saw back-and-forth efforts from both sides. Glendinning put a stop to a Wolverine scoring run to tie it up at nine. Spies dished out 21 assists in the first two frames, but an offensive thrust from Michigan led them to take the set, 25-17.
After Cincinnati claimed the first two points of the third set, Michigan commenced a 4-0 scoring run. Nolan accounted for four of Cincinnati’s nine points heading into a Bearcat timeout. Michigan stretched their lead to six (19-13). Depsite a late push, Cincinnati dropped the third frame.
Michigan jumped out early in the fourth set with strong hitting from Lydia Johnson and Allison Jacobs. Cincinnati battled back to tie it 14–14, led by Nolan’s kills and defensive efforts. UM responded with a 6–2 run to reach match point and ultimately claim the match.
The Bearcats move to 1-1 before heading on the road for a trio of matches in Chattanooga beginning Thursday.