HILLSDALE, Mich. - The Ohio Dominican Panthers are heading to the G-MAC (Great Midwest Athletic Conference) championship game after a dramatic five-set win against the #6 Walsh Cavaliers in Hillsdale, Michigan last night. Coming off a stunning reverse sweep victory over #2 Northwood just two days prior, the Panthers were hungry for revenge after a 3-1 loss to Walsh earlier in the regular season.

Ohio Dominican was led by an outstanding effort from strong side hitter Jenna Peters, who registered 16 kills and provided a steady offensive presence throughout the match. Libero Lauren Dinunzi was a defensive powerhouse, tallying 23 digs, two aces, and 11 assists, while junior Ashley Aselage led the blocking game with four total blocks. Setter Saige Avery directed the offense with 28 assists and added one ace to her performance.

Middle hitters Grace Zinchuk and Lauren Lucas were also pivotal, each contributing 14 kills. As a team, the Panthers posted 85 points, 72 kills, 70 assists, and 92 digs, showcasing both offensive and defensive depth in their semifinal victory.

Set 1: 

The match began with both teams evenly matched, exchanging points and kills in an intense opening set. Walsh took the first real advantage midway through, going on a five-point run to establish a 15-10 lead. Ohio Dominican responded with a surge, closing the gap to 17-18.

However, Walsh fought back, scoring three straight points to close out the set 27-25 in extra points, taking a 1-0 lead in the match.

Set 2: 

Ohio Dominican answered Walsh's set win with a dominating performance in the second set. The Panthers surged to an early 12-8 lead, powered by strong kills from Peters and Zinchuk. A four-point scoring spree further extended their lead to 15-8, giving them a comfortable cushion. Walsh fought back, closing the gap to 20-16, but Ohio Dominican held firm, closing out the set 25-20 to even the match at 1-1.

Set 3:

Walsh came out firing in set three, taking control with a quick 14-4 lead that left Ohio Dominican scrambling. Despite the Panthers' best efforts to claw back into the set, Walsh was dominant, using a powerful offensive to win the set 25-15. The Cavaliers regained a 2-1 lead in the match.

Set 4:

The Panthers, showing their resilience, came out swinging in set four. Both teams exchanged points early, but Ohio Dominican seized control in the middle of the set, going on two crucial three-point runs to open up a 17-12 lead. Walsh fought hard, but Ohio Dominican held their ground, ultimately clinching the set 25-20 to even the match at 2-2 and force a deciding fifth set.

Set 5:

In the final set, Ohio Dominican came out with unmatched intensity, quickly building a four-point lead. The Panthers then went on a massive six-point run, stretching their lead to 10-3 and effectively putting the match out of reach for Walsh. Despite Walsh's attempts to rally, Ohio Dominican remained poised, closing out the set 15-9 and securing a 3-2 victory.

Looking Ahead: G-MAC Championship Awaits

With the win, Ohio Dominican advances to the G-MAC championship game, where they will face the #4 Findlay Oilers on Saturday at 2 PM. This is the second year in a row that Ohio Dominican has advanced to the championship round.