NEW CONCORD, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team was defeated 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 25-16) at Muskingum University in the semifinals of the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament on Thursday (April 15) evening.
"The Pioneers made us very proud tonight. They showed grit, fight and character. These women have set a new standard of what Marietta volleyball looks like," said Head Coach
Kristy Newman.
Muskingum opened the first set strong as they held an early 5-1 edge. Marietta instantly answered to tie the set at five points apiece. The run was sparked by a pair of kills from
Sam Ritenour (Jeffersonville, Ohio/Miami Trace) and a service ace from
Makayla Schilling (Blacklick, Ohio/Licking Heights). The teams battled through the middle of the set, and the Pioneers led 16-13 behind back to back kills from
Maggie Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington), and
Becca Phelps (Mansfield, Ohio/Madison Comprehensive), which forced a Fighting Muskies timeout. After Marietta led 20-14, Muskingum answered to take a 22-21 edge. The Fighting Muskies won the first set, 25-22.
The Pioneers opened the second set with a 3-1 lead, behind a kill from Ritenour and an ace from Schilling. Marietta continued to play well and held a 9-6 edge, behind a kill from Phelps. After the Pioneers led 14-9, Muskingum scored eight of the next nine points to lead, 17-15. The Fighting Muskies closed out the set, and won 25-21.
Muskingum carried its momentum over to the third set, and held an early 6-1 edge. After The Fighting Muskies led 14-6, three straight points from Marietta made the score 14-9, behind a kill from
Maris Kaiser (Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy). The Pioneers continued to battle back, and a service ace from
April Davis (Aurora, Ohio/Aurora) made the score 15-11, and forced a Muskingum timeout. Marietta fought for the remainder of the match, but the Fighting Muskies won 25-16.
The Pioneer offense was led by Ritenour, she had a team high 10 kills in the match, and had a pair of solo blocks. Davis led the defense with a game high 18 digs in the match.
Maddie Nader (Vermilion, Ohio/Vermilion) added to the defensive effort with 13 digs in the match.
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.
