The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) volleyball team defeated the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) in four sets on October 31, 2025, completing a season sweep against their in-state rivals. After a strong start, the Seawolves lost momentum, ultimately falling 17-25, 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 at the Alaska Airlines Center.
UAA began the match energetically, winning the first set decisively. The home crowd of fans, many dressed in Halloween costumes, witnessed an impressive performance as the Seawolves took an early lead. However, UAF quickly regrouped, responding with an 8-1 run in the second set. This surge allowed the Nanooks to level the match at one set apiece, shifting the momentum in their favor.
UAA head coach Stacie Meisner acknowledged her team’s efforts despite the setback. “I think this group is really resilient, and there’s one thing we know about them, and it’s that they’re going to fight until the very last point,” she said. “They take a lot of pride in that; they’re a very competitive group of kids, and things just didn’t go our way tonight.”
The subsequent sets were fiercely contested, with both teams exchanging leads. Neither side led by more than four points at any moment during the third and fourth sets. Although the Seawolves briefly claimed the lead in the fourth set, they were unable to maintain control, allowing the Nanooks to secure the victory.
“Some errors and key rallies just kind of gave Fairbanks the advantage when they needed it, but overall, I think it was a well-fought match on both sides,” Meisner added. The match showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, who share a healthy rivalry, often engaging in friendly banter during breaks in play.
UAA’s junior outside hitter Lee Ivakina led the team with a match-high of 17 kills, while senior outside hitter Tia Allen contributed 13 kills. Sophomore middle blocker Martina Riba registered a career-high of 12 kills with a hitting percentage of .476. Meisner reflected on the season, stating, “We’ve been doing the same thing all year in that we go out, try to execute our game plan, play hard, and compete. We did all of those things tonight, so there’s really nothing we need to change on that end.”
Looking ahead, UAA has four remaining home games, including two matches against Simon Fraser University, a team they previously upset on the road last month. The Seawolves expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from their community. Meisner stated, “We always say that we have the best fans, I think, in Division II volleyball, and it’s always exciting to play on our home court.”
As the season progresses, UAA aims to learn from this match and continue to build on their strengths in the coming games. The Seawolves remain determined to turn the tides in their favor and achieve success in their remaining fixtures.
