ONU DROPS FIVE-SET THRILLER AT JUDSON

ELGIN, Ill. – The Olivet Nazarene University women's volleyball team jumped out to a 2-to-1 set advantage but could not close things out in dropping a 24-26, 25-19, 19-25, 25-22, 15-13 at Judson Thursday night in the Lindner Fitness Center.

Olivet Nazarene opened Set 1 with a strong performance, marked by a notable 5-1 run due to strategic play from Analiese Fredin, who contributed multiple assists and capitalized on opponent errors. Despite the Eagles' attempt to regain control with a brief 6-2 streak, the Tigers responded with determination, highlighted by Naomi Monney-Hori's consistent scoring and Fredin's service aces late in the set. A dramatic conclusion ensued as Fredin's outstanding serving led to three consecutive aces, propelling the Tigers to a 26-24 victory in the opener.

In Set 2, Olivet Nazarene pushed back against Judson with a series of effective plays, led by Fredin's crucial assists that facilitated key kills from Skylar Dorsey and Sabrina Sanif. Despite a tight contest where the score often leveled, the Tigers momentarily claimed a lead at 16-15, with Monney-Hori contributing important points, including a block. However, the Eagles responded with a late surge, capitalizing on a few errors from Olivet Nazarene, and ultimately closed the set with a 25-19 victory.

Set 3 began with Judson taking an early lead, but Olivet Nazarene responded with a series of decisive plays, including a kill by Sanif from Fredin to tighten the score. The Tigers then capitalized on Judson's errors and showcased strategic play, with Monney-Hori delivering a key service ace. After the Eagles edged closer, the Tigers called a timeout, regrouping effectively to secure the set with a final kill by Sanif, taking the set 25-19.

Olivet Nazarene started Set 4 with momentum, as Fredin set up Monney-Hori for an early kill, followed by consecutive service aces by Fredin. Monney-Hori continued her strong performance with another kill, extending the lead. Despite a strategic timeout by Judson, the Eagles managed to rally, eventually tying the score. In a tense finish, both teams exchanged points, but the Eagles edged out a 25-22 victory, with Jaclyn Riedl delivering critical points at the end.

Set 5 began with Olivet Nazarene grabbing an early lead thanks to Ayla Dorsey's kill, assisted by Fredin. Monney-Hori's service aces and kills helped extend the lead, prompting a timeout from Judson. After some back-and-forth action, the Eagles tied the score, leading to a Tigers timeout. As the set progressed, Judson gained the upper hand, despite Monney-Hori's efforts to keep the scores close, eventually taking the set 15-13 with Riedl securing the final points for a narrow victory.

Fredin delivered 36 assists and recorded a perfect hitting percentage with four kills in four attempts, also adding five service aces. Monney-Hori led the team with 18 kills and contributed 18 digs, accumulating 22.5 points overall. Sanif posted nine kills on a .273 hitting percentage and added three total blocks. Breanna Lamie made a defensive impact with 17 digs, supporting the team's back row efforts.

Olivet Nazarene holds an overall record of 2-14 and a conference record of 2-3. They will host Emmaus Saturday afternoon in McHie Arena.

--ONU—

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