MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team was in action today as they wrapped up their play in the River City Classic.
The Pioneers opened the day with a three set sweep (26-24, 25-16, 25-20) of Franciscan University.
Marietta opened the game on a roll as they scored the first four points of the match behind a pair of service aces from
Abbi Thompson (Commercial Point, Ohio/Teays Valley). Franciscan responded and tied the first set at 24 points apiece. The Pioneers scored the final two points, to win the set 26-24, as
Maddie Nader (Vermilion, Ohio/Vermilion) closed out the set with a service ace.
The second set opened as a back and forth battle before Marietta stretched out a 10-4 edge.
Sam Ritenour (Jeffersonville, Ohio/Miami Trace) propelled the early success as she had three kills in the first 10 points. The Pioneers continued their strong play, and won the second set 25-16.
The third and final set started as a close battle as the game was tied nine times through the first 17 points. Marietta rattled off five straight points, as
Hunter Barnes (Duncan Falls, Ohio/Philo) notched a kill during the run. The Pioneers finished off the set, and won 25-20 to win the match.
Marietta dropped the second match of the day as they were defeated by Kenyon in three sets, (25-18, 25-19, 25-18).
The first set was close early, but Kenyon was able to stretch their lead late in the first set to win, 25-18.
The second set was back and forth as the match was tied nine times through the first 12 points. The Pioneers were able to gain a quick lead, but Kenyon responded to take the lead and they won the second set 25-19.
Marietta grabbed an early third set lead behind kills from Barnes,
Amanda Arrowood (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Groveport Madison), and
Grace Haas (Marietta, Ohio/Marietta). Kenyon answered back to grab the lead, and Kenyon won the set, 25-18.
The Pioneers offense was led by Ritenour as she had 21 kills, and six block assists on the day. Haas added some offensive fire power with 13 kills on the day.
April Davis (Aurora, Ohio/Aurora) led the defense for Marietta as she had a team high 24 digs on the day, including a game high 16 digs against Kenyon. Nader had 32 assists between the two games and added 16 digs for the Pioneer defense.
Marietta will return to the court on Thursday (Sept. 6) when they travel to take on Franciscan University, with the game scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm.
Fans can follow all of the Pioneer teams all year long at pioneers.marietta.edu. You can also follow the Pioneers on Facebook at facebook.com/MariettaCollege and @MariettaPioneer on Twitter and Instagram.
