Arizona took home the victory after winning all three matches at the Butler Invitational on Saturday closing their last non-conference tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Arizona women’s volleyball team battled their way to defeat Loyola Chicago in the first match on 3-1 (25-10, 14-25, 26-24, 25-17).
The ‘Cats didn’t hesitate in the first set as they dominated over the Loyola Chicago. Arizona continued with its strong offense from Friday with a .583 hitting percentage in the first set beating the Ramblers 25-10.
Arizona struggled in the second set giving the Ramblers an 11 point lead making the score 17-6. The Wildcats couldn’t make the comeback in the second giving the set to the Loyola Chicago, 25-14.
The Wildcats and Ramblers fought their way through the third set. Arizona broke away with a two-point lead of 19-17, but Loyola Chicago kept pushing by scoring six of the next seven points of the match making the score 23-20. Arizona ended up winning the set 26-24.
The Wildcats didn’t hold back in the fourth set as they scored eight points before the Ramblers stepped up making the score 12-11. UA ended up taking the win over Loyola Chicago 25-17.
During the match, Kendra Dahlke achieved a career high of 21 kills and 16 digs leading Arizona to victory. Tyler Spriggs helped the team out along side Dahlke with 10 kills and recording a .348 hitting percentage.
Arizona continued its winning streak in the tournament Saturday afternoon against host Butler University ending the tournament 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-21).
Arizona dominated on offense in the first set making 16 kills and making a .452 hitting percentage. Dahlke led the Wildcats to victory again during the match with 13 kills and six digs. Penina Snuka also helped the ‘Cats with 31 assist and 10 digs making it her sixth double-double of the season.
In the second set, the Bulldogs tried to get ahead of Arizona but failed as the ‘Cats won 25-22.
The Arizona Wildcats didn’t stop their victories as they took the third match 25-21 closing the tournament.
The Wildcats will open Pac-12 Conference play next, as they host Arizona State on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m in McKale Center.
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