Patrick delivers 16 kills, Ivkovic records a career-high seven blocks and Auburn dominates the second set to secure a straight-set road victory.
CHICAGO | Auburn volleyball needed resilience to survive a tense opening set against UIC. Once the Tigers escaped it, they took control.
Auburn opened its Chicago road swing Friday night with a straight-set victory over UIC, combining a balanced offensive attack with dominant play at the net to build momentum heading into the DePaul Invitational.
Belle Patrick led Auburn with 16 kills while hitting .406, and junior outside hitter Anastasija Ivkovic delivered a career performance with seven blocks to go along with eight kills.
Auburn also received eight kills and six blocks from middle blocker Havlicek as the Tigers turned an early battle into a three-set sweep.
“I’m happy to start the weekend with a win and continue the momentum on the road,” Auburn coach Brent Crouch said. “I would’ve liked to see a more consistent effort throughout the match, but I am happy with the way we responded in the second set.”
That response proved decisive.
