Highlanders Outlasted by NIU, Dittmann Named Tournament MVP

Box Score DEKALB, Ill.—The UC Riverside Women's Volleyball Team saw a tough end to the Northern Illinois Tournament dropping a five set match to the host Huskies, but a strong opening weekend outing for the Highlanders saw a trio of student-athletes named to the All-Tournament Team. Juniors Yuliya Ushakova and Alexis Vanlandingham were named to the team and freshman Ashley Dittmann, who totaled 55 kills in three matches, was named the Tournament MVP.

The final matchup of the season was a back-and-forth battle as the two teams traded off sets the whole way through. UCR claimed the second set 25-17 and the fourth 25-16, but unfortunately NIU would take the first, third, and fifth to claim the match. The Highlanders hung on in every set, forcing extra points in the first and third, and kept the final game close being edged out 15-13.

Dittmann was a spectacle once again following her 25-kill performance from yesterday with a 23-kill match to cap off the tournament. She also added 16 digs on the day.

Ushakova (10), Alexis (11), and freshman Amarachi Osuji (11) ended with double digit kills as well and junior Morgan Kline added an impressive 49 assists.

UCR will look to continue its hot start at the USF Invitational next weekend.