TIGERS EARN FIVE-SET WIN OVER FIGHTING BEES

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene (IL) (8-18, 6-6) defeated St. Ambrose (IA) (9-15, 4-8) in a thrilling five-set match on Tuesday night, winning by scores of 22-25, 25-19, 25-20, 23-25, 15-13.

Olivet Nazarene began the first set with strong offensive momentum, taking an early 2-0 lead with a kill from Astyn Casey and an error from St. Ambrose. The teams traded points, with Naomi Monney-Hori contributing multiple kills to keep the score close at 10-10. 

Midway through the set, Olivet capitalized on St. Ambrose errors, building a 17-12 advantage. Contributions from Ayla Dorsey and Analiese Fredin helped maintain the lead. However, the visitors rallied, drawing even at 22-22 after a series of Olivet Nazarene errors.

Despite late efforts from Monney-Hori to regain control, St. Ambrose sealed the set 25-22 with a service ace, closing the period with a narrow victory.

Olivet Nazarene (IL) began the second set with a steady performance, quickly gaining a 2-0 lead thanks to a service ace by Skylar Dorsey. The teams traded points, with Monney-Hori and Brynn Nikonchuk contributing key kills to keep the score close. The Fighting Bees momentarily surged ahead, but Olivet responded with a series of kills and capitalized on opponent errors to narrow the gap.

As the set progressed, Skylar Dorsey facilitated multiple scoring opportunities, with Monney-Hori and Ayla Dorsey providing crucial kills. Olivet Nazarene turned the tide with a decisive run, aided by a series of errors from St. Ambrose. This momentum carried Olivet to a strong finish, as they closed the set with a 25-19 victory, securing the set with a final block by Emma Edmonds.

Olivet Nazarene began the third set with a quick response to St. Ambrose's early lead, as Skylar Dorsey's service ace initiated a 3-0 run, leveling the score at 3-3. Consecutive points, including a kill by Fredin, brought the home team ahead temporarily, although the Fighting Bees managed to regain momentum momentarily.

Midway through the set, Olivet capitalized on errors by St. Ambrose to create a shift, highlighted by Monney-Hori's series of kills. This surge helped Olivet create a 17-12 advantage, forcing a timeout from St. Ambrose.

Towards the close, Olivet maintained their lead with pivotal plays, including service aces from Skylar Dorsey and a decisive kill from Nikonchuk. Despite a late push from the Fighting Bees, Olivet secured the set 25-20, concluding the set with a solid victory.

Olivet Nazarene began the fourth set with a kill by Fredin, assisted by Skylar Dorsey. The teams exchanged points in a tightly contested start, with Fredin contributing multiple kills to keep the score level. St. Ambrose briefly pulled ahead with a service ace and a kill from Grace Beitzel, but Olivet responded with a run fueled by Monney-Hori's attacking efforts, tying the score at 18-18.

In a dramatic finish, Olivet and St. Ambrose continued to trade points. Skylar Dorsey added critical kills to keep the match close, leveling the score at 21-21. However, the Fighting Bees edged out with decisive plays from Marta Barriguinha and Ines Marques, despite Olivet's late push from Edmonds and Fredin. The set concluded with St. Ambrose securing a narrow 25-23 victory.

Olivet Nazarene began the fifth set with a strong offensive push, highlighted by Monney-Hori's early kills, taking a 5-1 advantage. The team capitalized on opponent errors and maintained pressure with a service ace from Jayley Fisher, extending their lead to 7-2. Despite a brief rally from St. Ambrose, Olivet held a 10-6 lead with additional attacks from Monney-Hori.

St. Ambrose narrowed the gap with a service ace and strategic kills, prompting a timeout with Olivet leading 11-9. The teams exchanged points in a close finish, but a timely kill from Skylar Dorsey and a decisive point from Fredin sealed a 15-13 victory for Olivet in the final set.

Skylar Dorsey played a crucial role, recording 47 assists and four service aces. Monney-Hori led the team with 25 kills and added 16 digs. Casey contributed defensively with 18 digs. Fredin added 11 kills and 15 digs to the team's performance.

Olivet Nazarene (IL) holds a record of 8-18 overall and 6-6 in conference play. St. Ambrose (IA) stands at 9-15 overall with a conference record of 4-8.

—ONU—

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