COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican women's volleyball team came into their home finale ready to avenge an early season loss to Malone University, but found themselves unable to finish off the Pioneers in a tough non-conference match-up. Malone spoiled the Panthers senior day celebration with a five game victory as they came from behind to win, 3-2.
Ohio Dominican came out on a mission to send their two seniors out with a victory in their final home match in Alumni Hall as they quickly jumped out to a 2-0 set lead. The Panthers continued to roll as their defense flew around the floor to keep plays alive and held on to victories of 25-21 and 25-23.
The Panthers looked as though they would finish off the Pioneers in three as they headed to a time out with a 17-12 advantage in the third set. Malone had different ideas as they battled back to extend the match with a 26-24 victory. The Panthers would again take a five point lead in the fourth set only to see it slip away as MU forced a fifth and final set. In the decisive fifth set it was Malone that took an early lead and was able to hold on for a 15-10 victory and the season sweep of the Panthers.
ODU was led by sophomore outside hitter Stacy Rogg (Cincinnati, OH) who had a team high 13 kills and 21 digs. Shannon Nadler (Fr. /Leipsic, OH) added 11 kills and had six blocks in the loss. The ODU defense was impressive as they combined for 129 digs and 18 blocks. Sophomore defensive specialist Ashley Hughes (Heath, OH) led the way with a career high 41 digs. Hughes 41 digs in a match was just four off the school record of 45 set by Jenni Wolshire in 1993.
The Panthers will return to action next Tuesday, November 10th as they travel to Cedarville, Ohio to take on former AMC foe Cedarville University in their regular season finale. Game time for the Panthers and Yellow Jackets is set for 7 p.m.
