TIGERS RALLY FOR FIVE-SET VICTORY OVER FIGHTING SAINTS

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. – With their backs against the wall, the Olivet Nazarene University women's volleyball team rallied for a 27-25, 21-25, 22-25, 25-17, 15-13 five-set win over St. Francis (Ill.) Tuesday evening in McHie Arena.

The Tigers were put to the test early, having to fight off a USF comeback late in the first set. ONU built a comfortable four-point lead at 16-12, but a late surge had the Fighting Saints at a 25-24 set point. The Tigers came roaring back thanks to Halle Nicholas who came up clutch with three straight kills to snag the opening set for ONU.

The Fighting Saints (15-14, 6-3 CCAC) responded with wins in the next two sets to push the Tigers to the ledge. But ONU retaliated with a dominant fourth set, putting away 16 kills to just four errors for a .316 hitting percentage to force a decisive fifth set.

With the match on the line, the Tigers came out of the gates firing with a service ace from Analiese Fredin and a kill from Kaitlyn Kolb to claim the lead early. After the USF answer knotted the game at 4-4, ONU ripped off five straight points to take a commanding lead. Sabrina Sanif put down two kills and assisted on a block with Ava Smith in the spurt.

The Saints fought back to tie the game at 13-13, but the Tiger defense held firm, capitalizing off consecutive USF attacking errors to secure the ONU victory.

Sanif led the match with a career-best 18 kills on a dazzling .400 hitting clip. She also assisted on four blocks and roofed one solo block. Ella Johnson reached double figures in kills as well, registering 11. Kolb and Kelsey Todd both finished with nine. Nicholas and Smith recorded seven apiece.

Fredin registered a season-high 46 assists in the win, marking her third game this year with 40 or more assists. Sara Serafimova anchored the back row with 30 assists. Natalie Wall (16), Addison Schmidt (12), and Breanna Lamie (10) all reached double-digits for digs.

The Tigers will look to piece together a win streak when they travel to Indiana South Bend next Tuesday, Oct. 22.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu