DePaul University Athletics
DePaul University
1-1
Oklahoma
2-0
Blue Demons Downed by Sooners to Cap Off NIU Invitational
8/25/2018 2:48:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Oklahoma defeated DePaul in three sets to make the Blue Demons 1-1 on the season.
DEKALB, Ill. – The Blue Demons fell to Oklahoma in three sets (13-25, 15-25, 12-25) to wrap up the weekend at the Northern Illinois Invitational.
"Congratulations to a spirited Oklahoma team," said head coach, Marie Zidek. "They have a few players that really play fierce, competitive volleyball."
DePaul fell behind quickly in the first set after the Sooners proceeded to a six-point run, forcing the Blue Demons to take a timeout while sitting at a 1-9 deficit. For most of the first set, DPU was fixed at three points. An OU service error brought the Blue Demons to four and then kills from Claire Anderson and Donna Brown brought the score up to six. DePaul would have one last three-point scoring run from a service error, a service ace from Natalie Hayward and an OU attack error that placed DePaul at 13 points which they would remain at, giving Oklahoma the set 25-13.
"We had a bit of a rough start in set one but bounced back in set two finally able to execute aspects of our game plan."
The Blue Demons were much more present initially in the second set. With both teams being very respondent, the score would intertwine for most of the second set, tying the score eight different times before Oklahoma pulled away and set off a six-point drive, putting them up 14-8. Kills from four different DPU sources at a final attempt would bring the Blue Demons two more points than they had in the first set, but Oklahoma would go on to cap things off 25-15.
DePaul remained close to DPU in the third set but only took the lead once at 2-1.
"This group needed a match where the execution of the game plan and bringing consistency to the table in terms of skill mattered equally," said Zidek. "You can't just show up to a match and hope you play well; you must show up knowing you're going to play well then accept the challenge that the opponent presents you
"This was a big step forward for this group through the weekend and we look forward to another good week of training."
Up Next
On Friday, Aug. 31, the Blue Demons will head to the Chippewa Invitational where they will face Valparaiso at 9 a.m. and Central Michigan at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 1, DPU will close off the invitational with a noon match against La Salle.
Social Media
For everything DePaul Volleyball, follow the Blue Demons across multiple social media platforms: Twitter or Instagram. Join in the conversation using #DPUvb.
Be sure to like DePaul on Facebook and check out some of the sights and sounds around DePaul on Twitter or on Instagram.
Miss any of the action? Subscribe to the Blue Demons on YouTube.
