TIGERS DROP TWO MATCHES TO CUMBERLAND AND WILLIAM PENN
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cumberland (TN) (2-4) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (4-6) | 17 | 19 | 22 | 0 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
William Penn (IA) (3-0) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
|
Olivet Nazarene (IL) (4-7) | 27 | 23 | 19 | 22 | 1 |
Bourbonnais, Ill. - The Olivet Nazarene men's volleyball team faced a challenging stretch, falling to Cumberland (Tenn.) in straight sets before dropping a four-set decision to William Penn (Iowa).
Cumberland controlled the tempo throughout the match, earning a 25–17, 25–19, 25–22 sweep. Olivet showed flashes offensively, particularly in the third set, but struggled to find consistency against a highly efficient Cumberland attack.
Cameron Johnston led the Tigers with 13 kills, while Ben Kreke added seven kills on an impressive .778 hitting percentage. Tyler Van Laten anchored the defense with 10 digs, helping keep Olivet competitive late in rallies.
Despite improving its hitting percentage in the final set, Olivet was unable to slow Cumberland's balanced offense, which finished the match hitting .305 as a team.
Olivet responded with a strong start against William Penn, taking the opening set 27–25. However, the Statesmen answered back to claim the next three sets, 25–23, 25–19, and 25–22.
Nic VanOort delivered a standout performance, leading all Tigers with 15 kills, while Johnston followed with 12 kills. Tomas Gonzalez orchestrated the offense effectively with 34 assists and chipped in four kills on a .571 hitting percentage. Defensively, Tyler Van Laten recorded a match-high 21 digs, providing steady back-row coverage.
Olivet totaled 47 kills and five service aces but was ultimately unable to overcome William Penn's blocking presence and late-set execution.
The Tigers continue conference play looking to build on their defensive effort and first-set momentum as they prepare for upcoming matches.
--ONU--