LAS VEGAS, Nev.— In the final match of the UNLV Invitational, the LIU Brooklyn volleyball team suffered a 3-0 (22-25, 16-25, 18-25) defeat to UNLV.
The Blackbirds jumped to the quick 3-0 lead on a few Rebel errors and a service ace by Viktoria Fink. LIU continued to hold of UNLV in the first true road match of the season eventually using a 5-0 run on several Rebel errors and a service ace from Piper Matsumoto to take a 13-6 lead. But the set quickly swung to the Rebels who embarked on a 10-2 run to eventually tie up the set. Both teams continued to trade points as the set went on. It was a late 4-0 run that gave UNLV the cushion it needed to take set one 25-22.
Things continued to stay in the the Rebels favor for the second set taking the lead early then using a five point swing to take a seven point lead at 13-6. LIU continued to chip back at points but UNLV was grooving on its home court, pushing ahead further with a 6-2 run before taking the second set 25-16.
In the final set, LIU kept pace through the first few points but the Rebels eventually strung together an 8-2 run to pull ahead. The Blackbirds were able to pick up a four point run on a pair of kills by Fink and Jovana Stekovic to get a little momentum going that prompted a UNLV timeout. The Rebels were able to get the ball back after the time out before closing the set and match with two straight points.
Matsumoto was named to the UNLV Invitational All-Tournament team after posting her third match with double-digit assists, finishing with 16 on the night. Fink led the team with seven kills while Stekovic and Julia Azevedo contributed six and five kills respectively. UNLV out blocked LIU 11-2 in the match.
Up Next
The Blackbirds stay out west for the North Portland Marriott Invite beginning Friday, August 31 against Wyoming and Portland State.