OLIVET NAZARENE BATTLES HARD IN FIVE-SET MATCH AGAINST TRINITY CHRISTIAN

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) fell to Trinity Christian (IL) in a five-set thriller at McHie Arena on Thursday, with scores of 25-18, 25-21, 23-25, 16-25, 12-15.

Olivet Nazarene started strong in the first set against the Trolls, establishing early momentum with a series of successful plays. Analiese Fredin's service ace and a kill from Brynn Nikonchuk contributed to an early 4-0 lead. Despite some service errors, the Tigers maintained control, with Naomi Monney-Hori and Ayla Dorsey adding key points to keep the momentum. Trinity Christian managed to close the gap to 13-12, but Olivet responded with a decisive run, highlighted by a pair of service aces from Jayley Fisher. This stretch helped widen the lead to 22-15. Olivet closed out the set at 25-18, capitalizing on an attack error from Sharide Sykes to secure the opening frame.

In the second set, Olivet overcame an early deficit with a resilient performance. After trailing 3-0 due to early errors, the team rallied with a series of kills by Skylar Dorsey, assisted by Fredin and Natalie Wall, leveling the score at 3-3. A subsequent surge, bolstered by errors from the Trolls, gave Olivet a narrow edge. Momentum shifted again as Olivet capitalized on more errors from Trinity, with contributions from Ayla Dorsey and a clutch service ace by Fredin. Despite a late challenge from Trinity, Olivet maintained composure, with Fredin and Sabrina Sanif securing crucial points. The set concluded with Olivet sealing a 25-21 victory, highlighted by a block from Skylar Dorsey and a final error by their opponent.

The third set opened with Trinity taking the early momentum, capitalizing on a service ace and a block to go ahead 2-0. Olivet responded with Monney-Hori contributing crucial kills, supported by assists from Fredin and Fisher, keeping the score tight at 3-3. The teams exchanged points, with Nikonchuk and Dorsey adding to Olivet's tally, allowing them to edge ahead briefly at 9-7. Olivet expanded their lead to 14-10 with key plays including a service ace by Ayla Dorsey and a block by Sanif and Monney-Hori. Despite a steady response from Trinity, Olivet maintained a narrow advantage, with Nikonchuk and Fredin keeping them ahead 19-15. However, Trinity mounted a comeback, leveling the score at 23-23. A late surge, including a service ace, secured the set for Trinity, closing it at 25-23.

In the fourth set, Olivet began with a defensive stand as Sanif and Nikonchuk combined for a block that set the tone early. Monney-Hori was instrumental, registering three kills to help her team maintain a narrow lead. The set was tightly contested, with Olivet finding themselves slightly ahead at multiple points, including a 10-7 advantage following two consecutive blocks by Sanif. As the set progressed, Trinity capitalized on a series of errors from Olivet, leading to a momentum shift. Despite a service ace from Fisher, Olivet struggled to regain the lead. Trinity pulled away with a 7-1 run, prompted by multiple attack errors from Olivet, which resulted in a timeout at 17-11. The set concluded with Trinity securing the set 25-16, maintaining control in the latter stages.

Olivet began the fifth set with momentum, as Sanif executed a kill from Monney-Hori, followed by a service ace from Fredin to secure an early 2-0 lead. Despite Trinity's response to tie the score, Olivet regained a brief advantage with back-to-back service aces from Monney-Hori. The score was level at 5-5 before Trinity surged ahead. A tight contest ensued, with both teams exchanging points. Olivet's Skylar Dorsey delivered a critical kill from Wall to narrow the gap. However, Trinity capitalized on several attack errors from Olivet, extending their lead to 10-7 and prompting a timeout from Olivet. Olivet fought back with Sanif recording two consecutive kills to reduce the deficit to 14-12. Despite this effort, Trinity concluded the set 15-12, securing the match with a block on an attack error by Monney-Hori.

Monney-Hori led the team with 15 kills and posted a .250 hitting percentage, contributing significantly to the offensive effort with 17.5 points. Fisher excelled at the service line, delivering five aces and adding 20 assists, enhancing the team's playmaking capabilities. Fredin registered a team-high 22 assists and supplemented her performance with 14 digs and three service aces. Wall demonstrated defensive strength, recording a team-leading 15 digs over five matches.

The Tigers hold a 6-18 overall record and a 4-6 mark in conference play. The Trolls stand at 8-12 overall with a 7-3 conference record.

—ONU—

*Contact: Annabel Murley, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, almurley@olivet.edu