TIGERS SWEEP IUSB IN DOMINANT STRAIGHT-SET VICTORY

SOUTH BEND, IND. -- ONU defeated Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) in straight sets on Saturday, with scores of 25-17, 25-20, 25-19. ONU posted a .362 hitting percentage, led by 51 kills over the three sets.

Naomi Monney-Hori led the team with 20 kills on 37 attempts, posting a .486 hitting percentage and adding 10 digs. Skylar Dorsey recorded a team-high 43 assists, contributing significantly to the offensive flow alongside 11 digs. Brynn Nikonchuk added 15 kills on 31 swings, achieving a .452 hitting percentage and serving up two aces. Breanna Lamie, playing libero, collected 14 digs and added a service ace to her performance.

ONU holds an overall record of 0-0. IUSB also has an overall record of 0-0.

ONU opened the match against the Titans with a steady performance, highlighted by Brynn Nikonchuk's early offensive contributions, including two consecutive service aces that helped ONU establish a lead. Skylar Dorsey's playmaking was crucial, providing multiple assists, notably setting up Nikonchuk and Naomi Monney-Hori for key kills, which extended ONU's lead. Monney-Hori's attacking efforts further widened the gap. Despite the Titans' attempts to regroup with timeouts, ONU maintained their advantage, closing the first set with a decisive 25-17 score.

Midway through the second set, ONU's Monney-Hori sparked a pivotal surge with several decisive kills, contributing significantly to regaining and maintaining a lead. Her efforts were complemented by Nikonchuk and Analiese Fredin, who each added crucial points, keeping the momentum in ONU's favor. Despite a brief rally by the Titans, Monney-Hori's consistent performance, including a string of kills late in the set, helped ONU secure a commanding conclusion. The set ended with ONU ahead, 25-20, extending their advantage in the match.

ONU seized control in the third set with a decisive series of plays, highlighted by a strong offensive push led by Ayla Dorsey and Skylar Dorsey. After an early tie at 3-3, ONU capitalized on consecutive attack errors by the Titans, extending their lead to 7-3, which prompted a timeout from the Titans. The momentum continued as Nikonchuk and Monney-Hori contributed crucial kills, reinforcing ONU's advantage.

Despite the Titans' attempts to rally, including a brief scoring run, ONU maintained their edge with consistent execution. Key kills from Nikonchuk and Monney-Hori, along with a service ace by Lamie, kept ONU firmly in the lead. The set concluded with a kill by Skylar Dorsey, securing a 25-19 victory for ONU. The game concluded with this set, with ONU clinching the match.

—ONU—

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