CHICAGO (Aug. 25, 2023) - An efficient offensive attack propelled the UIC volleyball team to a sweep against Oakland Friday night, as the Flames defeated the Golden Grizzlies 3-0 (25-10, 25-21, 25-16) in their second match of the Chicago Classic. With the victory, UIC moved to 2-0 on the season.
COMMENT FROM HEAD COACH JUSTIN INGRAM:
"It was an efficient attacking performance tonight. I thought
Ayat Amin was tremendous both on the block and the attack and throughout the course of the game our receive stayed consist, which is something we struggled with in our first match of the day. I'm trying to get as many players in these contests because they're ready. We're doing a fantastic job with those that are getting on the court and we look forward to taking on Lindenwood tomorrow."
COMMENT FROM SOPHOMORE AYAT AMIN:
"I think we played well today because we played together. It was a great having the support of our fans here at Credit Union 1 Arena and I can't wait to see them here Saturday as well."
FIRST SET (25-10, UIC)
- The Flames came out hot, starting the match on a 10-1 run against the Golden Grizzlies.
- UIC continued its strong start to the match, winning 11 of the next 17 points.
- The Flames held Oakland to a -.143 hitting percentage across the first set while UIC had a .545 hitting percentage.
- The Golden Grizzlies had ten attacking errors across the first set.
- Ayat Amin led the way with four kills in the set, as UIC took the first set 25-10.
SECOND SET (25-21, UIC)
- After Oakland jumped out to the early 5-1 lead, the two teams traded punches for the majority of the first part of the second set.
- Amin continued her strong performance, hitting five kills off seven attempts in the set.
- Down 15-11 in the second, the Flames went on a 5-1 run, capped off by an impressive setter dump by Francesca Venturini.
- UIC took its first lead of the set off an ace from Becca Oldendorf.
- With a 22-21 lead, the Flames won three straight points to take the Set Two 25-21.
THIRD SET (25-21, UIC)
- After being tied early at three apiece, the Flames scored seven of the next eight points to take a 10-4 lead, which included three aces by Jaclyn Oblena (two) and Abigail Sunga (one).
- UIC continued its strong play, scoring six of the next seven points. Throughout this middle portion of the set, UIC capitalized off three attack errors by Oakland.
- Amin helped extend the Flames' lead to 20-13 following back to back kills. The sophomore finished the evening with 13 kills on .611 hitting.
- Tamara Kisic scored the final two points for UIC as the Flames won Set Three 25-21 to sweep Oakland.
NEWS AND NOTES
- UIC outperformed Oakland in six major statistical categories (points, kills, aces, blocks, assists, digs)
- The Flames held Oakland to .132 hitting across Friday's match.
- UIC landed seven aces compared to Oakland's one. Oblena, Odendorf and Venturini each tallied two aces in the victory.
- Amin had a match-high 13 kills while Venturini led all competitors with 21 assists.
- Oakland finished the evening with 19 errors, compared to UIC's nine.
UP NEXT
The Flames return to Credit Union 1 Arena Saturday afternoon, as UIC wraps up Chicago Classic competition against Lindenwood. The Lions are also 2-0 on the season. Saturday's match starts at 3 p.m. and fans can watch the action on ESPN+. Live stats are available at UICFlames.com.
For more information, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through Twitter (
@UIC_Volleyball and
@UICFlames) and Instagram (
@uic_volleyball and
@uicflames).
