Fairbanks, Alaska – Rollins opened their second tournament of the season in The Last Frontier, taking down the University of Alaska Anchorage 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23) before falling to the host University of Alaska Fairbanks in five (25-22, 12-25, 26-24, 21-25, 12-15).
Rollins opened its weekend in Alaska with a statement, taking down the previously unbeaten Seawolves in four sets. The Tars struck first in the opening frame, jumping out to a quick lead before UAA fought back to knot things at 12. From there, it turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Rollins pulling ahead late to grab the early set advantage. The momentum carried into the second, the Tars controlling both the pace and the stat sheet to build separation and take a two-set lead. UAA answered in the third to extend the match, but the fourth saw Rollins storm back from a late deficit, stringing together key points down the stretch before Sarah Seabrooke's ace closed the door for the win.
Four different Tars hit double figures on the attack, paced by Marta Tsaneva's 18. Fellow senior Makayla Moran joined her in hitting above .400 while also leading the team in blocks. Setting duties were split between Jenna Garza and Molly Morris, each dishing out 20+ assists. Cameron Grange continued her all-around consistency for the Tars with double-digit kills and digs, also adding three aces to the stat sheet.
Set one against the home Nanooks opened with both sides trading points before UAF inched ahead late. Rollins evened the score at 20 on a huge block from Robinson Repass and Makayla Moran, sparking the push that carried the Tars to a .414 hitting percentage and the opening set win. Alaska flipped the momentum in the second, jumping out early and controlling the stat sheet to even the match at one apiece. The third set swung back Rollins' way, the Tars grabbing the lead and fending off a Nanook rally to reclaim the edge. UAF answered in the fourth, this time holding off a Rollins comeback to force a decisive fifth. The Nanooks rode that momentum into the final frame, racing ahead early. Both teams leaned on timeouts and challenges in an effort to control the swings, but despite a late Rollins push, UAF held on to secure the match.
Rylee Yarborough and Grange each reached double figures in kills, with Grange again leading the team defensively in digs. Moran continued her dominance at the net, finishing with six block assists. From the service line, Grange, Morris, and Vivian Scuteri all chipped in two aces apiece to round out the stat sheet.
The Tars move to 5-1 on the season and will continue their time at the Ice Block Classic tomorrow, September 12, at 6:30 EST (2:30 local time) as they face Rockhurst University.
