GREENCASTLE, Ind. – The Ohio Wesleyan University volleyball team traveled to DePauw for a pivotal match with NCAC implications. The Battling Bishops built an early two-set lead, but DePauw rallied to push the match to a fifth set. OWU regained control in the decisive set, ultimately prevailing 15–11 to secure the victory.
Ohio Wesleyan moves to 11-13, with a 4-2 mark in the NCAC and sole possession of third place. DePauw drops to 12-11, and 3-3 in conference, good for fourth place.
The first set was back-and-forth, as both sides traded points without breaking through. Neither side held a lead larger than three, but the Red and Black seized momentum with their backs against the wall, taking the set 30-28. The hard-fought battle continued in set two, with both sides deadlocked at 25 once again. The Bishops strung together two points to seal the set and take a two-set lead.
DePauw was down but not out, as they raced out to a 20-12 lead in set three. The Tigers built on their lead, as they went on a 6-5 run to take the set and stay in contention. Set four was evenly contested to start, with the teams level at 13. DePauw would ultimately go on a 12-5 run to force a match-deciding fifth set.
With the match on the line, both teams were tied again at nine in the first-to-15 set. The Red and Black thrived under pressure once more, outlasting DePauw 15–11 to secure the victory.
THE NUMBERS
OWU tallied 58 kills in the match, led by
Natalie Dieball and
Mason Campbell with 13.
Abby Nulph and
Jordanne Shannon had 11 and eight, respectively.
The Bishops notched seven service aces, with Dieball contributing three.
Lexi Manly recorded two, with
Lily Bechina and
Mason Campbell accounting for one apiece.
On the defensive end, the Red and Black made nine blocks. Nulph recorded six block assists, accompanied by Dieball and Shannon with three each.
Lily Bechina was the leading setter for the Bishops with 48 of the team's 55 assists.
OWU notched 78 digs in the contest courtesy of several Bishops.
Avery Krause paced the team with 18, followed closely by
Lily Bechina with 15,
Bella Guzzetta with 13, and
Mason Campbell with 11.
UP NEXT
The Bishops finish conference play on Saturday, as they celebrate senior day against Oberlin. The match is set to begin at 1 p.m. inside Branch Rickey Arena.
