Box Score

Anchorage, AK -- After defeating University of Mary earlier in the day in the Extended Stay Deluxe Invitational, the Urban Knights took down host University of Alaska Anchorage 3-2 (28-26, 17-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-10) in an impressive victory. Sophomore outside hitter Dan Yang led the team in kills for the second straight match with 21 to go with 15 digs (tied her career-high) while junior outside hitter Jelena Jakovljevic contributed 14 kills and a career-high 18 digs. Sophomore libero Nicolette Hagan had a career-high 18 digs of her own to tie Jakovljevic for the match-high.

“It was a relentless performance,” Head Coach Marcus Young. “We kept up the intensity and energy throughout all five sets. Phooey played extremely well both defensively and offensively. She was the go-to hitter in this match. And our digging was amazing!”

In the opening set, Academy of Art University (1-1) went back and forth with the Seawolves (1-1). The teams exchanged four different set points late in the match, but AAU captured an early lead after freshman setter Melissa Cheng put away a set from sophomore outside hitter Angela Heath.

The Urban Knights then tried to withstand a surge by UAA which came in the form of a 20-10 advantage for the Seawolves. From that point in the match, Academy of Art University went on a 7-4 run; however, it was not enough because University of Alaska Anchorage took the set 25-17.

AAU jumped out to a 16-11 lead in the third set by way of a five-point run forcing UAA to take a timeout. Although the Seawolves got as close as 22-18, the Knights used two kills and two service aces by Jakovljevic to seal a set victory in which Academy of Art had zero service aces. In the fourth set, the teams stayed close to one another before Anchorage pulled away late to even the score with a 25-18 win.

The fifth and final set was full of exciting plays on both sides. AAU had a 5-1 advantage early on, but the scoreboard showed a 5-5 match shortly thereafter. The Urban Knights then unleashed an 8-1 run which included an energizing block by Heath and a big service ace by Jakovljevic.

Four Knights finished with double-digit digs and Academy of Art out dug UAA 71-54 overall. Heath put together a solid line with eight kills, 10 digs, and four block assists. Cheng contributed 40 assists and seven digs.

On the Seawolves side, outside hitter Jackie Matthisen finished with a team-high 15 kills and she was backed by McKenzie Moss who posted a double-double (14 kills, 13 digs). Three Anchorage players posted four block assists each.

The Extended Stay Deluxe Invitational continues tomorrow when Academy of Art University competes against Kentucky Wesleyan at 1:00 PM (2:00 PM PST). Following that match, the Urban Knights will play in the tournament's championship match which is set for 7:00 PM (8:00 PM).