Valeriya Kozlova recorded 16 kills as Barry University women’s volleyball defeated Embry-Riddle (FL) 3-1 on Oct. 17 at the Health and Sports Center in Miami Shores, Florida. The victory gave Barry its fourth consecutive win against Embry-Riddle (FL) and its second season sweep of a Sunshine State Conference school.
Barry won the match by set scores of 25-14, 21-25, 26-24 and 25-16. The Buccaneers improved to 13-4 overall and 8-2 in the Sunshine State Conference, while Embry-Riddle (FL) fell to 13-6 overall and 6-4 in league play.
Kozlova leads Barry attack
Kozlova led the match with 16 kills, including nine in the third set. Varvara Osychenko and Veronika Eremeeva also recorded more than 10 kills for Barry, which hit .290 compared with .208 for Embry-Riddle (FL).
Barry built an early lead in the first set with a 6-1 run. Kozlova contributed a kill and two service aces during the run, while Osychenko added three kills. Ivana Zujovic and Kozlova each recorded a kill and a block contribution as Barry took the opening set.
Embry-Riddle (FL) answered in the second set after Barry moved in front 20-18. The Eagles closed the set with a 7-1 run to tie the match at one set apiece.
Five-point rally changes third set
Barry trailed 24-21 in the third set before scoring five consecutive points to win 26-24. Sofya Toropova delivered the set-tying kill, and Kozlova supplied nine of Barry’s 17 kills in the frame.
The Buccaneers then opened the fourth set with a 10-1 run and maintained control the rest of the way. Osychenko, Zujovic and Maye McConnell each recorded an ace in the set, while Barry’s blocking helped produce a 25-16 finish.
Indigo Pruitt added a season-high four assists and one solo block in the fourth set. The performance helped Barry close out the four-set victory after the teams split the opening two frames.
Barry adds defensive and setting production
Alondra Lebron led Barry with 12 digs. Thalia Iglesias recorded her 10th match of the season with at least 30 assists and extended her run to six consecutive matches with 30 or more assists.
Barry now leads the all-time series with Embry-Riddle (FL) 14-7. The Buccaneers were scheduled to remain at home and face Rollins at 4 p.m. on Oct. 17.
FSB Take
Barry’s third-set finish was the defining sequence of the match. The Buccaneers turned a 24-21 deficit into a 26-24 win, then used a 10-1 start to control the fourth set. Kozlova’s 16 kills, Iglesias’ continued assist production and Lebron’s team-leading 12 digs supported Barry’s 8-2 conference record.
Source: Original report