TIGERS FALL TO GRACE, BETHEL TO WRAP BUSY WEEKEND

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University women's volleyball team fell in four sets (20-25, 26-24, 25-16, 25-22) at McHie Arena on Saturday. This match was part of the second day of the Tiger Kickoff Invite, wrapping the busy weekend with a straight-set loss to Bethel (Ind.).

The first set began with a strong opening run by Olivet Nazarene, as they surged ahead to a 6-0 lead, capitalizing on errors from Grace and a service ace by Analiese Fredin. The Tigers maintained their momentum with multiple kills from Brynn Nikonchuk, who was assisted by Fredin, to keep a steady lead. Despite Grace managing to tie the score at 14-14, the hosts quickly regained control, with a critical timeout at 22-20 after which they secured the set 25-20, highlighted by Naomi Monney-Hori's decisive kill.

The second set featured a dynamic start for the Tigers, with Monney-Hori securing an early point with a kill from Fredin. Fredin played a critical role throughout, contributing multiple assists, including a service ace at 11-7 that helped maintain the momentum. Despite a strong effort and a timeout at 22-20 following a series of attack errors, Olivet couldn't hold off a late surge from Grace, who clinched the set 26-24.

The third set began with the Tigers taking an early lead thanks to a kill by Monney-Hori assisted by Fredin, followed by another point from Emma Edmonds. Despite a strong start, Grace responded with a series of plays, including a service ace by Anna Elkin, leading to a tied score at 4-4. As the set progressed, Grace established a lead with a notable performance by Carsyn Witt, contributing multiple assists. Olivet called a timeout when trailing 18-14, but the visitors maintained momentum, closing the set with a 25-16 victory. Fredin was a standout for Olivet, contributing several assists throughout the set.

The fourth set began with Grace taking a 4-0 lead, but the Tigers responded effectively with Monney-Hori securing the first point. This sparked a rally that saw Breanna Lamie deliver two service aces, helping to tie the score at 5-5. Olivet continued to keep pace, with Nikonchuk and Ayla Dorsey contributing critical kills to maintain the score close throughout the set. Despite a timeout called by the Tigers at 17-15 to halt Grace's momentum, the set remained closely contested, with Monney-Hori adding multiple key kills. However, Grace edged ahead to claim the set 25-22 after a late service ace and a kill by Abby Leffring.

Lamie stood out with four service aces and contributed 18 digs across four sets for Olivet. Fredin was a key setter, recording 27 assists while adding three service aces. Monney-Hori led the attack with 12 kills and also tallied 13 digs, contributing a total of 13 points. Nikonchuk matched Monney-Hori with 12 kills and made an impact defensively with seven digs, totaling 13 points in the match.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu