LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Olivet Nazarene University women's volleyball team dropped a 25-17, 25-22, 13-25, 25-19 four-set bout at Viterbo Tuesday afternoon at R.W. Beggs Sr. Gymnasium.

Olivet Nazarene began the first set on the road with a lineup featuring Analiese Fredin, Natalie Wall, Naomi Monney-Hori, Ayla Dorsey, Astyn Casey, and Sabrina Sanif. The set commenced with the Tigers quickly finding themselves in a back-and-forth exchange, leveling the score at 4-4 after a series of opponent attack errors, including a service ace by Natalie Wall to tie it at 10-10.

However, Viterbo managed to regain the lead through a series of defensive blocks and service aces, extending their advantage to 18-14. Despite efforts from Monney-Hori and Fredin, who contributed with pivotal kills, the Tigers were unable to close the gap, as Viterbo capitalized on service errors to maintain momentum. The set concluded with Viterbo securing a 25-17 victory, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.

Olivet Nazarene began the second set with momentum, as Astyn Casey served an ace to start a 2-0 lead. The team maintained their edge with a key kill from Brynn Nikonchuk, supported by Fredin, pushing the score to 3-1. Breanna Lamie contributed a service ace, extending the lead to 6-2 before Viterbo responded to narrow the gap.

Despite a series of tied scores, including a 7-7 deadlock, the Tigers regained control with a well-timed block from Nikonchuk, allowing them to edge ahead 9-8. The set remained tightly contested, with the Tigers reaching a 19-19 tie following an attack error by Viterbo's MaKena Ihle.

In the closing stages, Viterbo capitalized on several Olivet errors to capture the set. Despite a late kill from Fredin, Viterbo clinched the set 25-22, taking a narrow lead into the next phase.

In the third set, the Tigers surged ahead with an early run, highlighted by Sabrina Sanif's kill from a Fredin assist. The Tigers capitalized on Viterbo's errors, including a service ace by Casey and blocks by Sanif, to build a 4-0 lead. Despite a brief response from Viterbo, the Tigers maintained their momentum with critical plays from Monney-Hori, who contributed both a service ace and a kill.

As the set progressed, the Tigers extended their advantage through consistent offensive efforts. Skylar Dorsey's kill from Fredin and Monney-Hori's continued scoring kept the Tigers in control. The set concluded with Ayla Dorsey and Skylar Dorsey securing the final points, closing it out 25-13 in favor of the Tigers.

The Tigers started the fourth set with a strong offensive showing, highlighted by a kill from Nikonchuk assisted by Fredin, setting the early pace. The team maintained competitive pressure as Sanif and Wall contributed with key plays, including a service ace that momentarily edged the Tigers ahead at 3-1. However, Viterbo responded by capitalizing on service errors and securing a series of points, building a slight advantage.

As the set progressed, the Tigers' offense was bolstered by contributions from Monney-Hori and Ayla Dorsey, keeping the match close. Despite consistent efforts, including a series of kills from Nikonchuk and Skylar Dorsey, Viterbo managed to extend their lead, taking advantage of timely errors and building a 22-14 cushion.

In the closing moments, the Tigers mounted a spirited comeback attempt, narrowing the gap with a sequence of four consecutive points, including two attack errors by Viterbo's Jalen Hinzman. Despite this late surge, Viterbo sealed the set and match with a final score of 25-19, concluding the competition.

Fredin led the team with 25 assists, contributing significantly to the offensive setup. Monney-Hori added nine kills and 12 digs, providing a balanced performance on both sides of the court. Lamie recorded 17 digs, anchoring the defense effectively. Sanif contributed with two solo blocks and four kills, showcasing her presence at the net.

The Tigers hold a 4-16 overall record, with a 3-5 mark in conference play.

--ONU—

*Contact: Evan Wild, Sports Information Director, ewwild@olivet.edu