BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Governors State defeated Olivet Nazarene University in a closely contested match on Tuesday night, taking the victory in four sets with scores of 24-26, 25-19, 30-28, and 30-28.

Skylar Dorsey led the team with 57 assists and added four service aces, contributing significantly to the offensive plays. Naomi Monney-Hori tallied 21 kills and accumulated 22 points, showcasing her scoring capability. Breanna Lamie was active defensively, collecting 21 digs across the match. Brynn Nikonchuk recorded 17 kills and totaled 18.5 points, providing a steady offensive presence.

Olivet holds an overall record of 11-20 and a conference record of 9-8. Governors State also maintains a conference record of 9-8, with an overall record of 10-21.

Olivet began the first set with a strong finish, overcoming an initial four-point deficit against Governors State. After trailing 4-0, the Tigers rallied with a series of effective plays, including a kill by Dorsey and a block by Natalie Wall and Nikonchuk that helped level the score at 5-5. Dorsey consistently set up her teammates, contributing multiple assists that allowed Olivet to gain and maintain a narrow lead. Despite Governors State's efforts, including a timeout when trailing 10-8, Olivet retained control. Ultimately, Analiese Fredin secured the set with back-to-back kills, concluding with a 26-24 victory.

Olivet started the second set with an early lead, fueled by a service ace from Dorsey and a kill by Monney-Hori, pushing the score to 4-1. However, Governors State responded with a robust sequence, including consecutive kills by Joharis Castillo and Trenyce Bonner, to seize the momentum and a 7-4 lead. Despite a late push by the Tigers, featuring a service ace by Fredin and multiple kills from Nikonchuk, Governors State managed to maintain their advantage. The set concluded with a final point from Bonner, giving Governors State a 25-19 win.

In the third set, Olivet battled fiercely against Governors State, with Monney-Hori proving instrumental by securing multiple kills from Dorsey's assists. The Tigers achieved a significant momentum shift mid-set, as Monney-Hori notched several consecutive points, contributing to a temporary lead at 21-19. However, Governors State mounted a strong comeback, leveling the score at 29-29. Despite Olivet's efforts, Governors State ultimately clinched the set with a 30-28 victory.

Olivet mounted an early lead in the fourth set through kills from Monney-Hori and Ayla Dorsey, supported by Dorsey's assists. Despite a series of ties and lead changes, Olivet's efforts kept them competitive, as they responded to Governors State's advances with critical plays by Emma Edmonds and Nikonchuk. As the set progressed, the Tigers faced a tight contest, with both teams exchanging points. Notably, Fredin and Edmonds delivered crucial blocks, but ultimately, Governors State edged out with a final pair of kills from Greta Bochert, concluding the game with a 30-28 victory over Olivet.

—ONU—

*Contact: Annabel Murley, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, almurley@olivet.edu