ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The Ohio Dominican volleyball team opened their 2025 season in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, competing against Bemidji State and tournament host Eckerd College. The Panthers came away with a split on the day, rallying to win three straight sets against Bemidji State before falling in a tight five-set match to Eckerd.

Win (3-2) vs. Bemidji State

In their first game of the season, the Panthers staged a dramatic comeback against the Beavers of Bemidji State, rallying from a two-set deficit to win three straight and secure their first victory of the year.

Freshman Logan Rubel made an impressive debut, leading the team with 16 kills and eight digs. Senior Jenna Peters followed with 14 kills and two blocks, while Ashley Aselage contributed 11 kills and three blocks. At setter, Saige Avery recorded 25 assists and three aces, with fellow setter Gabrielle Kirker adding 23 assists and two aces.

The match started off rocky for ODU, with Bemidji State dominating the net and jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the first set, eventually winning 25-12. The second set was similar, as the Beavers opened with a 14-4 run and held off a late Panther surge to win 25-21.

However, the momentum shifted in the third set. ODU found their rhythm at the net, led by timely and powerful hits from Rubel. The Panthers held on for a 25-21 win to stay alive. In the fourth set, both teams traded points early, but ODU pulled ahead late to win 25-19 and force a decisive fifth set.

With the energy on their side, the Panthers kept the pressure on in the final set, jumping out to an 8-4 lead and closing it out with a 15-9 win to claim their first victory of the season.

Loss (2-3) vs. Eckerd College

In their second match of the day, the Panthers found themselves in another five-set battle, this time falling just short against tournament host Eckerd College, 3-2.

Freshman Logan Rubel once again led the way at the net for the Black and Gold, finishing with 18 kills and nine digs. Outside hitter Jenna Peters continued her strong play with 14 kills, while sophomore Christen Tarter anchored the defense with 16 digs and added two aces. Setter Saige Avery recorded 23 assists, and Gabrielle Kirker chipped in with 17 assists and a team-high four aces.

The Panthers started strong in the opening set, pulling away late for a dominant 25-16 win after keeping pace with Eckerd early on. In the second set, ODU maintained steady pressure, using a 21-18 lead to fuel a 25-19 finish and go up 2-0 in the match.

Eckerd responded in the third set, edging out a tight frame. After taking a slim 14-12 lead, the Tritons held off ODU's push to win 25-22. The fourth set was all Eckerd, as they controlled the net and cruised to a 25-15 victory, forcing a decisive fifth set.

The final set was a hard-fought battle, with both teams trading points down the stretch. Ultimately, Eckerd delivered key kills in the final moments to seal the win, handing ODU a tough 3-2 loss and a split on opening day.

Up Next
The Panthers return to action tomorrow in St. Petersburg, facing Maryville at 9:30 AM and UPR-Mayagüez at 5:00 PM.