Box Score ASHLAND, Ohio – Coming off a sweep of Wayne State in Detroit and facing Findlay on Sunday (Oct. 30), the AU volleyball team had a chance at a 2-1 road trip.
The Oilers had other thoughts, defeating the Eagles in four sets, 25-20, 25-18, 19-25, 25-22, at Croy Gymnasium in Findlay, Ohio.
Freshman Kathy Fletcher (West Chicago, Ill./Community) led the Eagles with her second career double-double (15 kills, 10 digs). She hit .294 in the match. Senior Anesia Benton (Lima, Ohio/Senior) had 14 kills and hit .321.
Junior Crystal Elliott (Canal Winchester, Ohio) had 46 assists and senior Arian Martin (Independence, Ohio) contributed a match-high 22 digs to lead the AU back row.
The teams were close early in the first set, but after they were tied, 10-10, the Oilers (13-11, 7-9 GLIAC) reeled off five straight points and were in control after that point.
After an ace by Martin, the Eagles (11-12, 9-7 GLIAC) led the second set, 13-12, but Findlay scored 13 of the last 18 points in the set to seal the win.
Down by two sets, the Eagles fought in the third set. The Eagles trailed, 13-11, but went on a 6-1 run to take command and they never trailed after that point. Kills by Benton and junior Brittany Snider (Olmsted Falls, Ohio) closed the set. AU hit .484 in the set. Fletcher, Snider and freshman Alyx Crislip (Louisville, Ohio) each had four kills in the set and Benton added three.
The teams played a close fourth set, but the Oilers led much of the way and Danielle Taflinger's kill put the match away.
Findlay out-hit Ashland, .287 to .210 in the match. Crislip and sophomore Baley Bernthisel (Grand Rapids, Ohio/Otsego) each had eight kills in the match and Snider added seven.
Mackenzie Vorst led the Oilers with 16 kills and 12 digs and Taflinger had 15 kills. Jessica VonIns had 46 assists, nine digs and four kills.
The Eagles will finally return to Kates Gymnasium on Friday (Nov. 4) when they host Tiffin at 7 p.m. AU has not played at home since Oct. 9.
AU
VB/BB
