COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Dominican's volleyball team battled with GLIAC South Division leader Ashland but ultimately fell 3-1 (22-25, 18-25, 25-21, 21-25) Saturday night in Alumni Hall.

ODU had six players finish with at least six kills and totaled just six less kills than the Eagles, but it wasn't enough as the Panthers fell to 12-16 (6-10 GLIAC). Ashland improved to 21-6 (13-3 GLIAC).

Junior Brianna Reder (Maineville, Ohio) and sophomore Courtney Braun (Hilliard, Ohio) each had 10 kills while senior Bailey Barker (Muncie, Ind.) added nine kills. Junior Lauren Rindler (Rossburg, Ohio) and sophomore Kelsey Barker (Muncie, Ind.) totaled seven kills and freshman Jackie Oestreich (Brighton, Mich.) chipped in with six kills.

Sophomore Kelsey Fortney (Lorain, Ohio) and freshman Heidi Hess (Dayton, Ohio) each had 20 assists and Rindler had a season-high 24 digs. Freshman Megan Hendershot (Galloway, Ohio) had 21 digs as well to lead ODU.

ODU rallied from a 20-13 deficit in the first set, scoring six straight points behind the serving of Hess and three straight kills by Reder. The teams swapped points but Ashland put forth a mini 3-1 run to help pull away with the win.

After hitting just .097 in the second set, ODU bounced back with a strong third set, hitting .306 with 14 kills. The set, which featured 15 ties and five lead changes, was knotted 19-19 before Kelsey Barker sandwiched two kills around an Eagle error to make it 22-19. A kill from Bailey Barker, a block by Braun and Reder and a termination from Reder sealed the set for ODU.

The fourth set was tight throughout and was even at 17-17 before Ashland scored five straight points to pull away and eventually close out the match.

Ohio Dominican remains at home for a 7 p.m. match Friday against Walsh.

Contact: Scott Miles
miless@ohiodominican.edu