COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Northwestern picked up a massive five-set victory over Maryland on Friday night in college park.
The Wildcats took 25-23 victories in both the first and third sets. After Maryland forced a fifth set, the 'Cats fended off three separate match points to close the match on a 5-1 run and earn their second Big Ten victory of the season.
Temi Thomas-Ailara led the way for Northwestern with a match-high 16 kills to go along with 11 digs. It marked the third-straight double-double for Thomas-Ailara, as well as her sixth of the season.
Hanna Lesiak finished just behind Thomas-Ailara with 15 kills, while Leilani Dodson finished with 11 kills on an efficient .381 clip. Both Tatyana Hardwick and Ella Grbac contributed with eight kills apiece.
Turning in a career performance was Alexa Roussea, who led all players in the match with 44 assists to go along with a career-high 18 digs and four service aces. The sophomore setter also added seven kills in the match.
Northwestern has now taken at least one set in each of its first five Big Ten matches to open the season, including forcing five-set affairs in three of their last four matches.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns to the court on Saturday evening as they travel to #13 Penn State.
The Wildcats took 25-23 victories in both the first and third sets. After Maryland forced a fifth set, the 'Cats fended off three separate match points to close the match on a 5-1 run and earn their second Big Ten victory of the season.
Temi Thomas-Ailara led the way for Northwestern with a match-high 16 kills to go along with 11 digs. It marked the third-straight double-double for Thomas-Ailara, as well as her sixth of the season.
Hanna Lesiak finished just behind Thomas-Ailara with 15 kills, while Leilani Dodson finished with 11 kills on an efficient .381 clip. Both Tatyana Hardwick and Ella Grbac contributed with eight kills apiece.
Turning in a career performance was Alexa Roussea, who led all players in the match with 44 assists to go along with a career-high 18 digs and four service aces. The sophomore setter also added seven kills in the match.
Northwestern has now taken at least one set in each of its first five Big Ten matches to open the season, including forcing five-set affairs in three of their last four matches.
Chicago's Big Ten Team returns to the court on Saturday evening as they travel to #13 Penn State.