SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona women's volleyball team fell in three sets to the Vanguard University Lions on Saturday evening by a final of 3-0 at Valley Vista High School. Final scores were 25-22, 25-13, and 25-21.
With the loss the spirit move to 3-8 on the season.
"Vanguard is another example of the competition what we have to look forward to next year when we join the GSAC." Head Coach Kristin Steele commented after the game. "Our players continue to improve every time we step on the floor. There are some very important skills, however, that we will continue to work on. We have a week of practice before we have a road-trip-filled October. We will continue to work hard and focus on bettering ourselves individually and as a team." She ended with this comment about her team, "We are primed to sneak up on someone!"
In game one of the match the OUAZ Spirit came out strong and energetic to gain the lead early 4-0. The Spirit held on as the Vanguard University Lions tried to make their comeback maintaining their lead to 16-12 with four service aces before the Lion's called timeout. Following the timeout the Lions made a 6-4 point run against the Spirit to put the score at 20-18 when the Spirit called a timeout. The Lions made their final run to end the first game 25-20 in their favor. Game two the Lions struck fast and early with a 5-1 lead. Vanguard continued their strong momentum to finish the second game 25-13. Game three the Spirit responded jumping to a 4-1 lead. The Lions fought back to tie the game at 12-12 and then took the lead. However, the Spirit didn't back down. Using the Lion's serving errors, they came back to tie the game at 21-21 forcing Vanguard to take a timeout. Following the timeout, the Lions made their final move to win the game and the match 25-21.
Kill leaders for the Spirit were Nicole Newman (FR/Avondale, AZ) and Kylie Greenway (SO/Riverside, CA) with six each. Jessica Youngberg(JR/Peoria, AZ) led her team with 21 assists followed by Breelle Lugo(SO/Tempe, AZ) with 10. Kelsey Marchant (JR/Powell, WY) had two aces for the game and led the team with 14 digs. Carlee Beck (SO/Des Moines, Iowa) followed her with nine digs for the game. Gilly Muniz(SO/Westminster, CO) had four blocks and Jorie Mayfield (JR/Tempe, AZ) followed with two block assists.
The Spirit look to their next match, Tuesday September 26th, at SAGU American Indian College in Phoenix, AZ. Game time starts at 7:00pm.
To see the entire Women's Volleyball Schedule, please click here.
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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.
