RICHMOND, Ind. – The Ohio Wesleyan University volleyball team hit the road on Tuesday night for a non-conference match against Earlham. The Battling Bishops ended up trading set with the Quakers, ultimately forcing five sets but falling short in the fifth, dropping the match 3-2.

OWU drops to 7-11 on the season while still 1-1 against NCAC competition. Earlham advances to 13-6 overall and is 1-0 in the HCAC.

It was about as competitive as a volleyball match could get, with both sides scoring 20+ in each of the first four sets, and the fifth being needing an extra point to reach a decision. The Bishops started off on the wrong end of a 25-21 result in set one before pulling back even with a 26-24 win in set two. 

OWU would fall behind again after a 25-21 loss in set three. With their backs against the wall, the Red and Black rallied for a 25-23 win in set four to force a fifth. 

Ohio Wesleyan nearly came away with the win in set five after going on a five-point run to take a 14-12 lead. Unfortunately, Earlham responded with a four-point run of their own to take the set 16-14 and and the match 3-2.

THE NUMBERS
The Bishops put down 57 kills, led by Natalie Dieball with 16, Mason Campbell with 14, and Abby Nulph with 10.

The Red and Black accounted for six service aces, led by Nulph with three, Reagan Brake with two, and Campbell with one.

Ohio Wesleyan made 10 blocks on the defensive end. Nulph finished with four accompanied by Brake and Campbell both with three.

Lily Bechina recorded a season-high 41 assists.

The Battling Bishops tallied 92 digs, led by Bella Guzzetta with 20, and Campbell and Avery Krause each with 17.

UP NEXT
The Bishops take another road trip on Saturday as they head to Gambier for an NCAC matchup with Kenyon. That match is set to start at 1 p.m.