UOlivet defeats Grace Christian in home-opener

OLIVET, Mich. – The University of Olivet women's volleyball team defeated Grace Christian University in three sets tonight in its home-opener at the Cutler Event Center.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Olivet defeated Grace Christian 25-16, 25-16, 25-17
• Location: Cutler Event Center; Olivet, Michigan
• Records: Olivet 1-6 overall, Grace Christian 2-4 overall

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Olivet scored the first two points of the opening set. The Tigers answered with the next two points to even the score. Two kills put the Comets ahead 4-2. Olivet continued to lead until Grace Christian tied the score at 11-11. Olivet responded with six straight points, including three aces by junior Kaylee McDaniel. The Comets did not give up the lead for the remainder of the set.
• The Comets raced out to a 10-3 lead in the second set. Olivet led by seven points at 13-6 before the Tigers went on an 8-0 spurt to take their first lead, 14-13. The Comets put six consecutive points on the scoreboard, with the final three being aces by sophomore Ashlynn Giannunzio. Olivet held the lead for the rest of the set.
• In the third set, the Comets built a nine-point advantage, 13-4. Grace Christian chipped away at their deficit and trailed by only one point, 17-16. Olivet ended the set with an 8-1 run to win the match.

FOR THE COMETS

• Olivet finished the match with 37 kills, posted a .250 attack percentage and served 10 aces. .
• Freshman Payton Smith finished with a match-high nine kills.
• Junior Julia Hall was next with six kills and hit at a .500 clip.
• Senior Ryley Chamberlin played in only the third set and recorded five kills.
• Freshmen Hailey Day and Peyton Tennant each had four kills.
• As a team, the Comets served 10 aces.
• Sophomore Jordyn Smith and junior Abby Chapman dished out 19 and 12 set assists, respectively.
• Senior Jaydn Cary recorded a match-high 16 digs.

UP NEXT

• The Comets host Siena Heights University tomorrow night at 7 p.m.