PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Ottawa University in Arizona women's volleyball team fell to the University of Antelope Valley on Friday afternoon by a final of 1-3 at the Firestorm Invitational hosted at Arizona Christian University. Final scores were: 25-22, 22-25, 16-25, and 19-25.
The OUAZ Spirit came out strong in the first set, keeping the Antelope Valley Pioneers on their heels to win 25-22. Game two was more of a fight between the Spirit and Pioneers as they battled to edge over their opponent. The Pioneers made some lineup adjustments to strategize for the Spirit's offense and their changes paid off, as they came out on top and with run at the end of the game to finish 25-22.
The Spirit, in game three and four, made some lineup adjustments moving Carlee Beck (SO/Des Moines, Iowa) to the Libero position and subbing in Jorie Mayfield (JR/Tempe, AZ) as a pin hitter and Deauna Johnson (JR/Lakewood, WA) as a Defensive Specialist. But OUAZ struggled to find their stride making too many errors in both games to complete the loss.
The Spirit played hard in the match, taking big swings, being aggressive on defense, and serving tough like they do so well. Nicole Newman(FR/Avondale, AZ) had the lead in kills with 15 and Carlee Beck behind her with 10 kills. Melissa Pignatiello (FR/Peoria, AZ) led the team in assists and had the second highest dig count. Like head coach Kristin Steele mentioned, the team needed an influential leader and that position is still up for grabs. Rest assured they have the leaders it is just a matter of who decides to step up.
The Spirit move on with their 1-1 record and play their next match down the road at Arizona Christian University on Wednesday September 6th, game time starts at 7pm.
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About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu.
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.
