ONU DROPS TWO MATCHES IN GEORGETOWN

GEORGETOWN, KY. - On Friday, Olivet Nazarene University's men's volleyball team battle through two five-set thrillers in Kentucky, dropping both matches, losing 2-3 to both Indiana Tech and Georgetown College.

Game 1 vs Indiana Tech

ONU started slow, surrendering the first two points of the match with back-to-back Indiana Tech kills. The opening set saw each team matching points back and forth, but Indiana Tech managed to pull away late and secure the 25-20 win. 

The second set followed a similar pattern, with ONU battling hard but unable to overcome Indiana Tech's early 9-3 lead. Despite an ONU service ace and crucial kills from Brody McAfee and Cade Ooms, Indiana Tech's cushion was too much, and they secured the 25-16 win.

ONU came out firing in the third set, establishing an early lead and dictating the tempo. Indiana Tech applied pressure and tied the score, but the Tigers refused to back down. After a nail-biting back-and-forth battle, ONU emerged victorious with a 29-27 win, keeping their hopes alive.

Indiana Tech jumped to an early 7-3 lead in the fourth set. Crucial kills by McAfee and Ooms helped ONU close the gap and eventually tie the match. This momentum swing was exactly what ONU needed, and they went on to win the set 25-23, setting up a thrilling decider.

The fifth set was a tense affair, with both sides exchanging points until Indiana Tech grabbed a 13-8 lead. ONU fought valiantly, but the deficit proved too much to overcome, as Indiana Tech closed out the set 15-13 and the match 3-2.

Game 2 vs Georgetown College

ONU took charge early in the opening set against Georgetown, building a 12-7 lead. The Tigers held onto their advantage despite a late Georgetown comeback, eventually winning 27-25 and grabbing the early momentum.

Georgetown grabbed the first three points of the second set and eventually mounted an 11-3 lead early on. However, four back-to-back kills by ONU helped them bring the score within one. Georgetown was able to outlast ONU and win the set 22-25. 

The third set was a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. However, ONU capitalized on three straight points late in the set to grab a 16-12 advantage. The Tigers maintained their composure and closed out the set 25-22, putting themselves back in control.

A back-and-forth battle ensued in the fourth set until Georgetown took a 10-7 lead early on. ONU kept with it, with kills by Jaiton Kamaunu and McAfee closing the scoring gap. However, Georgetown's advantage was too much for the Tigers, and they won the set 20-25.

ONU started strong in the decider, taking an early 4-3 lead. However, Georgetown responded with a 4-0 run to seize control. The Tigers struggled to find their rhythm, and Georgetown capitalized on their momentum to win the set 15-9 and secure the 3-2 victory.

Looking Ahead

ONU looks to shake off these tough losses and as they return to McHie Arena to face Lakeland University on Feb. 3rd. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CST. 

--ONU—

*Contact Anyssa Hampton, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, ahampton@olivet.edu