FAST START FIZZLES IN FOUR-SET DEFEAT TO VITERBO
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University women's volleyball team got out to a fast start but could not convert it into a victory, falling 25-27, 25-19, 25-21, 25-20 to Viterbo Monday evening in McHie Arena.
The first set began with Olivet Nazarene taking an early lead, highlighted by Analiese Fredin's service ace at 0-0, followed by a kill from Sabrina Sanif. The Tigers maintained momentum despite a mid-set surge from Viterbo, who pulled ahead 6-3 after a series of kills. Olivet responded with a series of strategic plays, including a kill from Skyler Dorsey at 9-7 and a solid block by Brynn Nikonchuk and Sanif at 24-24. Ultimately, Olivet secured the set with a 27-25 victory, culminating in a decisive kill by Naomi Monney-Hori.
The second set began with the Tigers battling closely against Viterbo, with Fredin and Sanif each contributing early kills to keep the score tight. A standout performance came from Nikonchuk, who delivered back-to-back kills, putting Olivet ahead temporarily at 7-5. Despite a competitive rally and a strategic timeout at 13-9, Olivet was unable to regain momentum, falling 25-19 as Viterbo capitalized on a series of consecutive points, including multiple kills from Hailee Halverson and Sadie Treptow.
The third set opened with Sanif making an early statement with a kill, swiftly followed by another from Nikonchuk, both assisted by Fredin, to keep the score tight at 3-3. Despite an early back-and-forth exchange, Viterbo capitalized on a series of Olivet errors, widening their lead to 8-5. The Tigers called a timeout at 14-11 to regroup as Viterbo's Izzy Jahr went on a scoring spree, but Olivet responded with a late surge led by Dorsey, who registered a service ace as part of a 4-0 run, bringing the score to 23-21. However, Viterbo's defense held firm, and they sealed the set 25-21, concluding a tense exchange.
The fourth set opened with the Tigers trailing after a quick two-point start by Viterbo, including a kill from Treptow at the beginning. Olivet attempted to narrow the gap with strong plays from Monney-Hori and consecutive service aces by Dorsey, who contributed to a tense mid-set rally bringing the score to 20-16. Despite these efforts, Viterbo capitalized on critical errors and strategic kills, including Jada Mitchell's decisive point from Maddie Connor, to close the set and secure a 25-20 victory.
Monney-Hori led the team with 17 kills on 49 attempts, finishing with 17.5 points. Fredin contributed significantly by recording 24 assists and adding nine kills. Breanna Lamie was active defensively, collecting 24 digs. Sanif added to the team's efforts with nine kills and two blocks.
The Tigers hold a 1-12 overall record and a 1-1 mark in conference play. They will turn around on a quick schedule to take on Mount Mary Tuesday afternoon in Milwaukee, Wis.
--ONU—
*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu
