ANCHORAGE — Senior attackers carried the University of Alaska Anchorage past Lenoir-Rhyne on Friday, as the Seawolves posted a 25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20 victory at the Alaska Airlines Center in the Seawolf Invitational.
Middle blocker Bella Burney recorded a career-high performance with 16 kills, while fellow senior opposite Lee Ivakina added 18 kills and 13 digs to power UAA to its fourth straight win. Senior setter Hannah Trotter orchestrated the attack, finishing with 34 assists and 15 digs.
Key moments and momentum
The match opened as a tightly contested first set that featured numerous ties and small margins. UAA took a late advantage when Ivakina converted off a feed to build a 24-20 edge, but Lenoir-Rhyne surged back with three consecutive points. After a Seawolves timeout, Ivakina delivered another first-ball kill to close out the stanza.
The second set saw UAA break an 11-11 deadlock with a decisive 5-0 run — capped by kills from Ivakina — and the hosts sustained the edge to win the frame on a Burney finishing set point.
Lenoir-Rhyne rebounded in the third, out-hitting UAA and forcing a fourth set. The finale again featured many ties and lead changes before UAA pulled away late, with key plays from Mary Nahinu, Kyana Gabriel and Burney, and a finishing ace that sealed the match.
"I loved our resiliency at the end of the fourth set after they tied it. We continued to display a lot of grit when things got tough, and Bella showed off her tremendous swing tonight. Hopefully we can keep it rolling against a much-improved Chico team tomorrow."
The quoted remarks came from UAA head coach Morgan Hooe following the match.
Stat lines and contributions
Beyond the headline performers, multiple contributors helped UAA sustain pressure both at the net and in the backcourt. Outside hitter Kyana Gabriel chipped in with a balanced all-around showing, and freshman and rotation players provided support in blocking and defense that proved important in the late stages.
| Player | Kills | Digs / Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Ivakina | 18 | 13 digs |
| Bella Burney | 16 | — |
| Hannah Trotter | — | 34 assists, 15 digs |
| Kyana Gabriel | 7 | 7 digs, 3 blocks |
On the opposing side, Lenoir-Rhyne got 15 kills from Emmaleigh Allen and a team-high 20 digs from Avery Meide, but the visitors could not convert in the closing stretches of the fourth set and fell short of their attempt to claim a second victory of the day after earlier beating Chico State in five sets.
What this means for UAA
The win moves the Seawolves to 4-2 on the season and highlights the team's ability to close out tight sets, an encouraging sign as UAA prepares to face a familiar postseason-caliber opponent. The match provided a test of depth and poise, particularly when the Bears pushed back in the third and repeatedly forced ties in the fourth.
- UAA's offense showed balance between a strong middle attack and consistent setting.
- Senior leadership from Ivakina and Burney was decisive in late-set situations.
- UAA's serving and transition defense created the openings that led to the winning plays.
UAA is scheduled to play Chico State in the tournament the following day, offering a quick turnaround and another high-level test for the Seawolves against a program that previously qualified for the NCAA tournament. How the team manages fatigue and matches up against another postseason-credentialed opponent will shape perceptions of its depth early in the season.
Attendance and atmosphere at the Alaska Airlines Center added to the feel of a significant early-season matchup for UAA, where senior performers and role players combined for a result that keeps the home team unbeaten in its past four matches.
For the Seawolves, the balance of veteran scoring and set distribution proved decisive on Friday, and the coaching staff will look to carry that formula into the remainder of the invitational and the early nonconference slate.
