COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican volleyball team was impressive in their opening weekend of the 2009 season as they went 2-1 at the Clarion Golden Eagles Invitational. The Panthers dropped their opening game of the tournament to host Clarion University, but bounced back to take two straight on the second day.
Ohio Dominican couldn't shake off the early season jitters in the tournament opener on Friday night as they dropped a 3-0 (25-14, 25-22, 25-17) decision to Clarion University. The Panthers attack sputtered in the first contest of the season as they combined for just 19 kills in the three games. ODU's defense kept them close early after recording 53 digs and 13 blocks, but it wasn't enough to get them past the Golden Eagles.
On day two, it was a different story as the Panthers picked up back-to-back victories over a pair of familiar foes in Point Park University and Tiffin University. ODU defeated Point Park in the early game by the score of 3-1 (16-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-23).
The Panthers got their attack on track versus the Pioneers in the early game on Saturday versus Point Park combining for 37-kills. Leading the way was outside hitter Stacy Rogg (So., Cincinnati, OH) with 10-kills. ODU's defense was again solid led by Rachel Billing (Jr., Anna, OH) and Rogg with 26-digs apiece. Middle hitter Shannon Nadler (Fr., Leipsic, OH) controlled the net with a team high 10 blocks in the winning efforts.
ODU wrapped up the afternoon with a strong performance versus the Tiffin Dragons as they won in straight sets (25-18, 25-22, 25-21). Billing led the attack with 10-kills, while Rogg added 14 digs in another strong defensive effort for the Panthers. Summer Hale (So., Galena, OH) added 36 assists for the weekend.
Billing and Rogg were selected to the Clarion Golden Eagles All-Tournament team after leading the Panthers to the 2-1 start to the season.
ODU will return to this Tuesday, September 1st as they travel to Wilberforce, Ohio to take on NCAA Division II opponent Central State University. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
