MEADVILLE, Pa. – The Marietta College volleyball team was in action today as they swept both Allegheny College and Saint Vincent College, at the Allegheny Gator Invitational.
The Pioneers won the first match in straight sets, (25-14, 25-18, 25-13). Marietta jumped out to a 10-1 lead to open the first set of the match. The Pioneers quick start was propelled by kills from
Amanda Arrowood (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Groveport Madison), and
Sam Ritenour (Jeffersonville, Ohio/Miami Trace). Marietta held their lead and won the first set, 25-14.
The second set started as a hard fought battle as the Gators grabbed an 11-9 edge to force a Pioneers timeout. Out of the timeout, Marietta scored five consecutive points, and grabbed a 14-11 lead. The run was sparked by a kill from
Hunter Barnes (Duncan Falls, Ohio/Philo), and a service ace from
Ellie Gerber (New Philadelphia, Ohio/New Philadelphia). The Pioneers continued their strong play, and won the second set, 25-18.
Marietta quickly stretched out a 7-2 lead in the third set, behind a pair of kills from Barnes. The Pioneers pulled away through the remainder of the final frame and won, 25-13.
The Pioneers momentum carried over to the second match of the day as they swept Saint Vincent College, (25-20, 26-24, 25-21).
Marietta started the first set fast as they opened a 6-2 lead, behind a pair of kills from
Brooke Trimble (Lexington, Ky./Henry Clay). The Bearcats tied the game at 12 points apiece, but the Pioneers were able to regain their momentum and win the first set, 25-20.
The second set was a close battle early, as the game was tied at 8 points apiece. Marietta stretched out a lead with a 10-1 run. The run was highlighted by Barnes as she had three consecutive kills during the run, and the Pioneers won the second set 26-24.
The third set was a hard fought battle as the game was tied six different times, and was tied at 15-15. The Bearcats grabbed a four point lead before Marietta answered back with a six point run, to give them a 21-19 edge. The run was led by a pair of kills from Ritenour. The Pioneers finished the set strong and won, 25-21.
Offensively, Marietta was led by Barnes as she was named to the Gator Invitational All-Tournament team. Barnes had a combined 15 kills and one block in the two matches. Ritenour added 14 kills to the attach for the Pioneers.
Defensively, Marietta was led by
April Davis (Aurora, Ohio/Aurora) as she had 30 digs between the two matches, including a game 14 digs in the match against Allegheny.
Braya Elsea (Circleville, Ohio/Logan Elm) added 22 digs, and a service ace to the defensive effort. Gerber notched 27 assists for the Pioneers between the two matches.
Marietta will return to the court Tuesday (Sep. 11) when they travel to take on Denison with the match scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
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.
