STORRS, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's volleyball put on a show in its opening match of the 2024 season, sweeping Youngstown State to open the UConn Invitational Friday afternoon. 

The Pioneers posted a well-rounded effort in the win, with Camryn Luginbuhl and Allison Murray leading the offense with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. At the center of Sacred Heart's strategy was standout sophomore Gaby Zovko, who finished the match with 28 assists, seven digs, four kills and two blocks.

On defense, newcomers Miliani Villarreal and Tiana Brasby stole the show. In her first collegiate match, Villarreal racked up a match-high 15 digs, while Brasby was second on the team with eight in her SHU debut. Emily Sawyer also shined with a match-high five blocks. 

Records:
Sacred Heart: 1-0
Youngstown State: 0-1
 
Top Performers:
Gaby Zovko: 28 assists, 7 digs, 4 kills, 2 blocks
Camryn Luginbuhl: 12 kills, 5 digs, 3 aces, 2 blocks
Allison Murray: 10 kills, 2 blocks
 
How It Happened:
The lead changed multiple times in a hard-fought first set, with the score tied at 10-10 through the first 20 points. A 3-0 run by the Pios gave them a 15-14 lead later in the match, while a 4-0 surge put them up two by the 20-18 mark. SHU did not give up the lead for the remainder of the set, sealing a 25-22 win. 

The second set started like the first, with the score tied at 10-10 again through the first 20 points. Unlike the opening set, however, the Pioneers took control of the second half of the frame. SHU won six of the following 10 points before going on an 8-0 run to build a commanding 24-15 advantage. Camryn Luginbuhl led the way on the serve with two aces and a kill, as Sacred Heart went on to win the set 25-15. 

Sacred Heart rode its momentum from the end of the second set to a strong start in the third. SHU opened the frame on a 10-2 run to force a timeout by the Penguins. Miliani Villarreal owned the serve on a 5-0 Pios' run, capping the surge with an ace. Youngstown State started a comeback, getting as close as three, 22-19, but SHU held firm to take the set 25-19. 

Up Next:
The Pioneers are back at the UConn Volleyball Center tomorrow afternoon for a 2 p.m. match against former conference rival LIU.