Box Score (PDF)

DES MOINES, Iowa – Freshman Mildrelis Rodriguez tallied six kills to pace the University of Evansville volleyball team in a 3-0 loss at Drake in the Missouri Valley Conference opener on Friday evening.
 
Rodriguez was the top hitter for the Purple Aces (6-9, 0-1 MVC) as she finished the night at .217.  Genesis Miranda completed the match with five kills, ending a streak of recording double figures in each of the Aces' first 14 matches.  Stephanie Cerino was next with four.  Kim Deprez led all players with 20 digs and Lorena Marquez topped the list with 13 assists.
 
Drake (10-8, 1-0 MVC) started the opening set on fire, reeling off six of the first seven points to take a 6-1 lead.  The Aces cut the deficit to as few as three points at 8-5 before the Bulldogs rolled once again.  Consecutive service aces by Grace Schofield helped DU take a 25-15 win.
 
Another strong start in the second frame saw the Bulldogs go up 4-1.  With them holding a 4-3, lead, Drake scored the next 12 points as Schofield was at it once again, posting three kills in the rally.  Their momentum lasted through the set as they won 25-11.
 
Evansville played its best set in the third frame.  Despite falling behind 4-1, a kill by Elizabeth Giller helped UE tie the set up at 7-7.  Later, a Gabriela Roman service ace gave UE its first lead of the night at 8-7.  With the score tied up at 10-10, Drake rallied back, scoring five of the next six points before clinching the match with a 25-18 win. 
 
Tomorrow, UE completes its opening conference weekend with a trip to face UNI.  Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Cedar Falls.
 

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