Sept. 4, 2009

Box Score |  Notes

OXFORD, Miss. - Brionna Patterson had 16 kills to lead three players in double figures as the University of Akron claimed a 22-25, 25-23, 21-25, 25-22, 15-9 win over the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Friday on the first day of the Magnolia Classic.

Kerri Schuh had 15 kills to lead Milwaukee (0-3), while Maddie Sueppel and Jena Berg added 14 apiece. UWM also had four players reach double figures in digs, led by 19 from Lauren Felsing.

The Panthers looked strong in winning the first set. But, once the Zips came from behind to win the second frame, UWM could never regain control.

Then, after Akron won the fourth set to extend the match, the Zips took control of the fifth set quickly. They scored six of the first eight points in the frame and then never let Milwaukee get closer than three points after that.

"There were really great moments in the match for us, but once you go into that fifth set, you need to come out with more confidence than we did," UWM head coach Susie Johnson said. "I've challenged them to play with more confidence, so we'll work on that and be ready to play tonight."

UWM also played with senior setter Kellye Zaporski, who was ill and returned to the team hotel prior to the match. That led to a last-minute lineup adjustment for Milwaukee, with sophomore Samantha Trawitzke (48 assists) taking on full-time setting duties while the Panthers shuffled their rotations and substitution pattern.

Milwaukee controlled most of the first set but then had to hold off a late rally by the Zips. UWM scored eight of the first nine points in the frame, with a pair of kills by Natalie Schmitting highlighting the early run. The lead grew to 13-5 on a UWM block and was still at 21-13 following an Akron error.

A kill by Sueppel gave the Panthers a 24-18 lead and set point. But, Akron scored the next four points to make things interesting before a service error allowed Milwaukee to wrap up the first frame.

Akron came from behind to pull out the second set. Milwaukee again built a big early lead, going up 10-4 after an Akron error. The Zips eventually tied things at 13 but UWM responded by reclaiming a 20-18 lead on a Sueppel kill. From there, though, it was all Akron. Two-straight blocks gave the Zips a 21-20 lead and Akron took the lead for good at 23-22 on another block. A tip-kill by Samantha Trawitzke pushed off one set-point but a kill by Patterson evened the match.

UWM used a late surge to win the third set. Akron built a 15-11 lead midway through the frame before Milwaukee fought back to claim a 17-16 advantage on a kill by Trawitzke. Akron's final advantage came at 20-19 but the Panthers scored the next three points to claim some control. A kill by Melissa Jansen pushed the lead to 24-21 and another kill by Trawitzke finished things off for the Panthers.

Akron led nearly the entire way in the fourth set but could never really pull away. The lead hit 13-10 on a kill by Patterson but Milwaukee pulled back within a point after two kills by Jansen. Again the Zips extended their edge, going up 21-16 on another kill by Patterson, though Milwaukee wouldn't go away. An Akron error brought the Panthers back within 22-20 and another error again pulled UWM within 24-22. But a kill by Kara Smith extended the match to a fifth set.

The Panthers continue play in the Magnolia Classic Friday night, taking on the hosts from Ole Miss. That match starts at 7:30 p.m.