MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team defeated Denison University, 3-1 (25-19, 18-25, 25-20, 25-20) on Tuesday (Sept. 19) evening in the Pioneers home opener. With the victory the Pioneers improve to 5-6 overall and with the loss the Big Red falls to 5-7 overall.  

The first set was tied at three before Denison went on a three-point run, fueled by a pair of kills from Corrine Boyd.  Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) kept the Pioneers close with a pair of kills of her own to put the score at 8-7.  The Big Red widened the lead to 12-7, but Marietta answered with three of their own to put the score at 12-10.  After Denison extended the lead yet again, the Pioneers put on pivotal four-point run to tie it at 16.  Maggie Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) highlighted the run with a pair of kills.  Emma Weiseman (Monroe, Ohio/Monroe) converted two consecutive aces during a late five-point run that now saw Marietta lead 21-17.  The Pioneers closed out the first set with kills from Mia Silva (Barberton, Ohio/Barberton) and Annabelle Hacker (Centerville, Ohio/Alter) and would claim victory, 25-19.

In set number two, the Big Red had another strong opening as they jumped out to a 4-1 lead.  Marietta attempted to come back but Denison kept pushing the lead further, eventually leading 13-9.  Maggie Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) aced two consecutive serves to cut the lead back to one, but Denison ran off seven of the next eight points to take a commanding 20-13 lead.  The Pioneers fought back but could not overtake the lead and lost won second set, winning 25-18.  

The third set was close as both teams were deadlocked at eight in early action.  Marietta gained the momentum back with a 4-0 run, fueled by kills from Silva and Maggie Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington), putting the score at 12-8. Later in the match, Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) began to get hot as she delivered a trio of kills to extend the Pioneer lead to 18-12.  The Big Red fought back and later cut the deficit to two with two aces from Ayla Dunbar.   Marietta score the final three points to closed out the action scoring the final three points and closing out set three, 25-20.
 
After beginning set four with a six-all tie, Denison briefly broke away scoring five of the next six  points to take an 12-7 lead.  Emory Spitler (Lebanon, Ohio/Lebanon) had an excellent next turn in the service rotation as she ran off four consecutive point, two by service ace and with one kill of her own.  Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) became a driving force for the remainder of the set, delivering six kills to help put Marietta in the driver's seat.  The Big Red again attempted to come back and cut the deficit to three, but could get no closer.  Silva closed out the set and the match with a pair of kills to give Marietta the set four victory, 25-20.
 
"It was great to see us fight and have urgency after dropping set two", said Marietta Head Coach Kristy Newman. "I am very proud of how we played as an entire unit tonight!  After a few weeks on the road, it was awesome to be back in the Banjo with all the Pio support!"

The Marietta offense was led by Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) and Mia Silva (Barberton, Ohio/Barberton) with 17 kills apiece.  Annabelle Hacker (Centerville, Ohio/Alter) added four blocks.  Emory Spitler (Lebanon, Ohio/Lebanon) finished with 42 assists.  Jillian Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) also led the defensive effort with a game high 12 digs in the match.  Maggie Fellers (Alliance, Ohio/Marlington) and Riley Hohman (Copley, Ohio/Copley) finished with 11 digs.        

Marietta will return to the court Wednesday (Sept. 27) when they travel to take on Case Western Reserve University, with the game scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

Fans can follow all 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.