COLUMBUS , Ohio – The Ohio Dominican volleyball team stepped out of conference play over the weekend to take on the University of St. Francis and Grace College in their first split match of the season. ODU opened the day in Fort Wayne , Indiana were they dropped a tough 3-0 decision versus the Cougars, but bounced back in Winona Lake, Indiana defeating Grace by the score of 3-1.
Ohio Dominican got off to a rocky start in the opening match at St. Francis, but managed to battle back late in game one. ODU got to within a point of the host Cougars, but couldn't complete the comeback as they fell 25-21 in game one. Game two was a back and fourth battle as both teams erased leads early on, but it was again St. Francis that was able to hold on for the win. In the third and final game ODU ran out of gas as the Cougars earned the three game victory by the score of 25-22.
ODU was once again led by senior middle hitter Jessica Buzenski (Columbus , OH; pictured) who had a total of nine kills and three blocks. Junior Cassie Vome (Mason , OH) added eight kills and Summer Hale (Galena , OH) had three blocks for the Panthers. Elyse Mongillo (Columbiana , OH) was masterful on the defense end playing as they libero recording 22 digs in the loss.
After the short trip to Winona Lake , ODU managed to salvage the day with a 3-1 victory versus Grace College . With the win ODU head coach Sandy Rowley earned her 400th career victory. The Panthers again got off to a slow start dropping the opener, but battled back in the next three games to earn their 11th victory of the season.
Buzenski led the way at the net with 12 kills and had three blocks. Hale continues to improve with each start as she dished out 20 assists and had 16 digs.
Ohio Dominican looks to improve on their 2-2 conference mark this Tuesday, October 7th as they host Carlow University in an AMC showdown. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
