COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican volleyball team defeated Urbana University in four games on Tuesday as they used their best hitting performance of the season to upend the Blue Knights. ODU combined for a total of 51 kills and a .205 hitting performance to earn their eighth victory of the season.
The Panthers (8-3) jumped out to an early 2-0 victory with wins of 25-20 and 25-22 versus their former conference rivals. After a tough loss in game three 25-14 ODU was able to close the door on the Blue Knights with a 25-14 victory of their own in game four to earn the win.
ODU combined a solid performance at the net with some impressive defense as they recorded 79 digs and 16 blocks. The Panthers defense was led by outside hitter Rachel Billing (Jr., Anna, OH; pictured). Heather Kunze (Jr., Cincinnati, OH) added 16 digs for ODU, while middle hitter Shannon Nadler (Fr., Leipsic, OH) finished the night with seven blocks.
Offensively, the Panthers were led for the second straight game by Billing with a season best 15 kills. Kristy Birkemeier (Fr., Lima, OH) recorded double digit kills, finishing the night with 10 for Ohio Dominican. Summer Hale (Jr., Galena, OH) led the team with 32 assists in the win.
Ohio Dominican will return to action this weekend as they travel to Canton, Ohio for the Canton Comfort Inn Volleyball Invitational co-hosted by Walsh and Malone University. The Panthers will open the tournament on Friday, September 18th as they take on the University of Northwestern Ohio at 5 p.m.
