ONU COLLECTS ROAD WIN AT INDIANA NORTHWEST

GARY, Ind. — Olivet Nazarene University secured a 3-1 victory over Indiana University Northwest at the Savannah Center on Tuesday evening, highlighted by a dominant fourth set where they recorded 21 kills.

Olivet began the first set with a balanced attack, overcoming an early exchange of errors to find their rhythm. Ayla Dorsey and Analiese Fredin each contributed key kills, helping the team to narrow Indiana Northwest's lead. Fredin's service ace and subsequent attack error by Raniyah Preston allowed the Tigers to tighten the score. As the set progressed, the Tigers showed resilience, with Skylar Dorsey delivering a crucial kill to level the score at 22-22. Breanna Lamie then stepped up with a service ace, and the team capitalized on errors by the Redhawks to close out the set, taking it 25-22.

The Tigers struggled to maintain momentum in the second set, facing a strong run by Indiana Northwest. After Naomi Monney-Hori tied the score at one with a kill assisted by Skylar Dorsey, the Redhawks capitalized on errors and effective blocking to extend their lead. Despite multiple kills by Monney-Hori and Brynn Nikonchuk, Olivet Nazarene couldn't close the gap. The set concluded with Indiana Northwest clinching it 25-15, leveling the match.

Olivet Nazarene solidified their control in the third set after overcoming an early deficit. After trailing 2-4, a surge led by Monney-Hori and Nikonchuk, with consistent setups from Skylar Dorsey, helped them capture the lead at 8-6. This momentum was sustained throughout the set as they widened the gap, aided by a crucial service ace from Lamie and solid defensive work including blocks by Ayla Dorsey and Nikonchuk. Despite the Redhawks attempting to narrow the scoreline, the Tigers maintained their composure and sealed the set with a final kill from Nikonchuk, securing a 25-18 victory.

The Tigers overcame a late surge from Indiana Northwest to secure a 27-25 victory in the fourth set. Nikonchuk was instrumental early in the set, contributing multiple kills and helping the team to a 7-3 lead. Despite a fierce comeback by the Redhawks, which saw the score tied at 14-14, Monney-Hori's crucial kills and Skylar Dorsey's decisive performance in the final points propelled the Tigers forward. A final kill by Fredin, set up by Lamie, clinched the win, ending the match with Olivet Nazarene prevailing in a tightly contested set.

Skylar Dorsey orchestrated the offense with 46 assists and added one service ace. Monney-Hori contributed with 23 kills and 14 digs, leading the team in points with 24. Lamie was active defensively, collecting 16 digs and serving three aces. Nikonchuk made an impact with 17 kills while also contributing 17.5 points.

The Tigers improve to 10-19 overall, with a conference record of 8-7. Indiana Northwest falls to 12-18 overall and 8-7 in the conference.

Olivet is on the road again this weekend as they head to Indiana South Bend on Saturday, Nov. 1 for their next match. 

--ONU--