GAMBIER, Ohio – The (RV) Otterbein volleyball team opened their week on the road in a dominant fashion, cruising past Kenyon College, 25-9, in the first set. After the Owls answered with a 25-19 victory in set two, the Cardinals responded in a big way, claiming the final two sets (25-19 and 25-18) to secure the 3-1 victory.
In set one, the Cardinals held strong and led Kenyon in every category, speeding to a 25-9 win. Following the first set, the Owls fought back, hitting at a .286 mark as a team and recording fewer errors than Otterbein. Kenyon took set two 25-19 to even out the game at 1-1. In response, the Cardinals rallied offensively in set three, firing off six aces and leading Kenyon in kills. Otterbein won the third set, 25-19, before keeping the momentum in set four. In the fourth and final set, the Cardinals yet again led in all categories, pushing them to victory, 25-18. The win over the Owls brings Otterbein's record to 7-0 – their second straight season winning their first seven matches.
Junior Emerson Baum was at the top for the Cardinals offensively, totaling 11 kills on the night along with an astounding career-high six aces.
Lexi Scott,
Chandler Crowell, and
Lauren Neisel additionally slammed eight kills each for the Cardinal win. Freshman
Courtney Post also made an impact at the net, hitting at a .333 clip, leading the Cards in hitting percentage.
Elise Adelman added 26 assists for Otterbein, along with seven digs. Senior
Makenzie Schellenberger headed the defensive side of the Cardinals, leading with 12 digs, and also added three aces to her performance.
On Friday, the Cardinals travel up north to Grand Rapids, Michigan for a challenging weekend, taking on No. 16 UW-Whitewater, Colorado College, Cortland, and No. 15 Calvin.
