CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Marietta College volleyball team improved its overall record to 13-5 by splitting its final two matches Sunday (Sept. 27) at the College of Mount St. Joseph Fall Classic. The Pioneers began the day with a 3-1 (25-14, 25-12, 23-25, 25-21) loss to the host Lions before bouncing back to knock off Bluffton University 3-0 (27-25, 25-19, 26-24).

Freshman outside hitter Amanda Sawicki (Mentor, Lake Catholic) led Marietta with 7 kills against Mount St. Joseph. Sophomore outside hitter Alex Weissling (Dublin, Dublin Scioto) added 6 kills to go along with 2 service aces. Freshman setter Ally Jenkins (Twinsburg, Walsh Jesuit) dished out 22 assists in the loss.

Senior libero Becca Holzworth (North Olmsted, North Olmsted), who was named to the All-Tournament Team, finished with a team-high 21 digs, while freshman outside hitter Jen Braun (Chagrin Falls, Kenston) added 13 digs. The defense was also aided by 7 blocks from sophomore middle blocker Jessie Blackley (Aurora, Aurora) and 6 total blocks from Jenkins.

It was Weissling who carried the Pioneers' offense on her shoulders in the win over Bluffton as she finished with 15 kills. Sawicki and sophomore right side hitter Meredith Storey (Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Falls) both added 7 kills in the win, which saw Jenkins collect 32 assists.

Blackley once again led the defensive play at the net with 5 total blocks, while Sawicki added an addition 3 total blocks. Holzworth, meanwhile, anchored the back row with 23 digs.

Marietta now turns its attention to Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play. The Pioneers open their league schedule on Wednesday (Sept. 30) with a trip to Tiffin, Ohio. The match with Heidelberg University is slated for 7 p.m.