UOlivet wins in four sets at Elmhurst

ELMHURST, Ill. – The University of Olivet women's volleyball team defeated the host Bluejays in its final match at the 2025 Elmhurst (Ill.) University Bluejay Invitational. The Comets won in four close sets – 25-23, 26-24, 21-25, 25-22.

THE BASICS

• Final Score: Olivet defeated Elmhurst 25-23, 26-24, 21-25, 25-22
• Location: R.A. Faganel Hall; Elmhurst, Illinois
• Records: Olivet 4-9 overall, Elmhurst 4-10 overall

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the first set, the Bluejays led by five points, 7-2. The Comets fought back to tie the score three times (7-7, 8-8, 9-9) before Elmhurst went back on top by three points, 12-9. Olivet then scored eight of the next nine points to for a four-point lead, 17-13. The Bluejays answered with a 10-4 run to take a 23-21 lead. The Comets scored the final four points, including back-to-back aces by junior Abby Chapman, to win the set, 25-23.
• Elmhurst held the lead for the majority of the second set. Down 23-18, Olivet used a 6-0 spurt to take a 24-23 lead. The Bluejays tied the score, 24-24, before kills by junior Julia Hall and freshman Payton Smith gave the set win to the Comets, 26-24.
• The start of the third set was a 4-0 Olivet run, a 6-0 Elmhurst run, and a 6-1 Comet run to make the score 12-7. Olivet kept the advantage at five points, 18-13, until the Bluejays used a 6-1 spurt to level the score. The teams traded points to create two more tied scores, 20-20 and 21-21. This time, Elmhurst closed the set with the final four points to win, 25-21.
• The Bluejays built a five-point lead, 12-7, in the fourth set. The Comets chipped away at their deficit and eventually evened the score at 17-17. Olivet then took a 19-18 lead and never relinquished it.

FOR THE COMETS

• For the match, Olivet totaled 34 kills, 16 service aces and 14 blocks (two solo and 24 assisted). The 16 aces ties for the fourth-most and 14 blocks are second-most in a match since the 2003 season.
• Smith topped the Comets with 13 kills.
• Hall had 11 kills to go along with 11 blocks (two solo and nine assisted). The nine assisted are the most in school history for a single match since 2003, while the 11 total blocks are second-most.
• Chapman dished out 29 set assists and served five aces.
• Sophomore Ashlynn Giannunzio also had five aces.
• Senior Jaydn Cary collected a team-best 17 digs.

UP NEXT

• The Comets play a non-conference match next Wednesday, September 24, at Saint Mary's (Ind.) College. First serve from the Angela Athletic Center is at 7 p.m.