TIGERS DEFEND HOME COURT WITH 3-1 WIN OVER JUDSON

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Olivet Nazarene University secured a 3-1 victory over Judson University at McHie Arena on Saturday, winning by scores of 25-21, 19-25, 25-16, and 25-19. The Tigers recorded nine service aces in the match.

The first set saw the Tigers overcome an early deficit to secure the lead. After trailing 2-0, the Tigers responded with a series of kills, notably from Ayla Dorsey and Naomi Monney-Hori, leveling the score at 4-4. With the support of Skylar Dorsey's assists, they built momentum, highlighted by a service ace from Monney-Hori, which contributed to a pivotal 8-6 advantage. Although the Eagles managed to tie the score at multiple points, including 12-12 and 15-15, the Tigers never trailed the rest of the way and ultimately closed the set with a 25-21 victory.

Olivet started the second set strong, with Nikonchuk and Skylar Dorsey securing early points and building a 2-0 lead. Despite this initial momentum, the Eagles responded with a significant run, aided by Maisie Green's service aces, turning the score in their favor to 7-3. The Tigers fought back with contributions from Ayla Dorsey and Monney-Hori, narrowing the gap to 17-16. However, the Eagles managed to pull away again and secure a 25-19 victory in the set.

The Tigers seized control in the third set with a strong offensive run, marked by multiple kills from Monney-Hori and Analiese Fredin, both consistently set up by Skylar Dorsey. Monney-Hori's impactful service game, including a crucial ace, further advanced the Tigers' lead. The Eagles struggled to halt the Tigers' advance and an 8-2 run in the middle of the set extended the Tigers' lead. Olivet closed the set with a decisive 25-16 victory, securing the final point with a kill from Emma Edmonds.

The fourth set was once again all Tigers as Monney-Hori contributed multiple kills, with assists from Skylar Dorsey. A significant turning point occurred as the Tigers capitalized on a series of errors by the Eagles, including an attack error by Ariadna Marquez and a service ace by Breanna Lamie, extending their lead to 16-10. Despite a brief resurgence from the Eagles, the Tigers maintained their momentum, ending the set and match with a 25-19 win.

Skylar Dorsey provided a consistent presence with 46 assists and added 12 digs over four games. Lamie contributed defensively, recording 22 digs and serving four aces. Monney-Hori led the team with 15 kills on 42 attempts, while also contributing 14 digs and two service aces.

The Tigers improve to 9-19 overall and 7-7 in conference play. The Eagles fall to 6-13 overall and 4-11 in conference play.

Olivet travels to IU Northwest (Ind.) on Tuesday, Oct. 28 for their next conference match. 

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