DELAWARE, Ohio – The Ohio Wesleyan University volleyball team squared off with Muskingum at home Wednesday, looking to build momentum off an exciting road victory against Buffalo State. The Bishops took the first set, but would drop the next two finding themselves in a hole. OWU battled back, taking set four and extending the contest, however, Muskingum would prevail, winning a close fifth set and taking the match 3-2.  

OWU drops to 6-9, while Muskingum improves to 11-6.

The Bishops jumped out to a 15-8 lead in set one and never looked back, closing the frame 25-16 to take the early advantage. Set two remained tight through a 9-9 tie, but Muskingum found momentum, jumping out to a 20-13 lead and finishing the set 25-16. 

Muskingum dominated the third set, as they raced to an 11-4 lead and held firm to take the set 25-17. The Bishops needed a response in set four, and they delivered. The set remained tightly contested late, with both teams tied at 21, before the Red and Black strung together three straight points to secure a 25-22 set victory. 

Both teams continued to fight in set five, as they traded points and were knotted at 12-12. Ultimately Muskingum found their rhythm, executing three consecutive kills to secure the win 15-12.

THE NUMBERS 
The Red and Black recorded 64 kills in the match, Muskingum tallied 59. 

Natalie Dieball led OWU with 17 kills, with Jordanne Shannon and Abby Nulph adding 15 and 13, respectively.

Lexi Manly and Maggi Wall led the team with two aces each. 

The Bishops tallied two blocks, with Reagan Brake recording two block assists. Mason Campbell and Natalie Dieball each recorded one block assist.

Jenna Ashbrook was the leading setter with 32 of the team's 63 assists. 

Bella Guzzetta led the Bishops with 24 digs, followed by Avery Krause with 19 and Natalie Dieball with 16.

UP NEXT
The Bishops will continue conference play as they host Denison on Saturday at 12 p.m.