TIGERS FALL IN FOUR SETS TO ST. XAVIER

CHICAGO, Ill. — Saint Xavier (IL) (12-6, 10-3) defeated Olivet Nazarene (IL) (8-19, 6-7) in four sets, winning 25-22, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22 at the Shannon Center on Tuesday night. The Tigers recorded six service aces but ultimately fell short against Saint Xavier's 54 kills.

Olivet Nazarene began the first set by capitalizing on a ball handling error from Saint Xavier. Despite an early service error, the Tigers kept the score close with a kill from Analiese Fredin. However, Saint Xavier gained momentum with a series of successful plays, extending their lead to 6-1.

Olivet Nazarene responded with a solid run, highlighted by kills from Brynn Nikonchuk and Naomi Monney-Hori, narrowing the gap to 16-12. Skylar Dorsey contributed with multiple assists, keeping the pressure on Saint Xavier. Despite this effort, Saint Xavier maintained a lead throughout the set.

As the set closed, Olivet Nazarene made a strong push with a sequence of plays that included a block by Fredin and kills by Lynette Alsot and Monney-Hori. This effort brought the score to 24-22. However, Saint Xavier managed to secure the final point of the set, ending it at 25-22 in favor of Saint Xavier.

Saint Xavier started the second set with a quick 3-0 lead, benefiting from an attack error by Monney-Hori and a kill by Jenny Jensen. The Tigers responded with a block by Fredin and Ayla Dorsey, followed by a kill from Fredin, leveling the score at 5-5. Consistent play from Dorsey, who provided multiple assists, helped Olivet Nazarene stay close, reaching a 10-10 tie.

Midway through the set, Saint Xavier gained momentum with a series of points, including a significant contribution from Samantha Hovey, who set up multiple kills. Despite a service ace from Astyn Casey, the Tigers called a timeout trailing 17-15. After the break, Olivet Nazarene attempted a late push with kills from Monney-Hori and Nikonchuk, narrowing the gap to 23-20.

The set concluded with Saint Xavier capitalizing on an attack error by Olivet Nazarene, securing the set 25-20. Saint Xavier's consistent attacking pressure and timely blocks were pivotal in closing the set with a win.

The third set began with an evenly matched contest, but the Tigers quickly found momentum. After an early service error by Saint Xavier, Monney-Hori secured a kill, setting the tone for the set. Despite Saint Xavier's brief lead at 4-2, Olivet Nazarene responded with critical points from Monney-Hori and a timely block by Ayla Dorsey, keeping the contest close.

Midway through, Olivet Nazarene capitalized on Saint Xavier's errors and mounted a comeback, tying the score at 13-all following a service ace by Jayley Fisher. Continuing this momentum shift, Monney-Hori and Dorsey combined for effective plays, allowing the Tigers to edge ahead. A late service ace by Casey sealed the set for Olivet Nazarene, concluding with a 25-22 advantage.

Olivet Nazarene opened the fourth set with Fredin and Monney-Hori contributing early points, keeping the score close. A mid-set rally saw the Tigers tie the game at 9-9 with a service ace from Casey. The back-and-forth action continued with Monney-Hori and Dorsey delivering key kills, drawing level at 15-15.

As the set progressed, the Tigers managed to edge ahead 18-17 with another kill by Monney-Hori. However, Saint Xavier responded, and the teams were repeatedly tied, reaching 22-22 following a crucial kill from Monney-Hori. Despite Olivet Nazarene's attempts to regain momentum, Saint Xavier capitalized on errors and closed out the set with a 25-22 win, sealing the match.

Dorsey orchestrated the offense with 32 assists over four sets, contributing significantly to the team's ball distribution. Monney-Hori led the team in scoring, recording 15 kills and accumulating 15.5 points. Fredin made a defensive impact by collecting 15 digs and contributing four blocks. Breanna Lamie added strength to the back row with a team-high 20 digs, demonstrating her defensive capabilities.

—ONU—

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