Greencastle, Indiana – The Oberlin College volleyball team opened North Coast Athletic Conference play on Saturday afternoon, battling DePauw through three sets at Neal Fieldhouse.
Brylie Peters led Oberlin with five kills and eight digs, while Mara Geiger and Nickiah Walker each finished with three kills. Kira Geiger anchored the front row with four blocks, and Emily Spangler recorded a team-best 10 assists. Mary Ellen Lovelace added seven digs, while Genna Gauthier contributed four digs and Oberlin's lone ace.
The Yeowomen were within reach throughout the opening set before DePauw closed out a 25-15 victory. Oberlin trailed 18-10 late in the frame before putting together a small push, highlighted by kills from Peters and Walker, along with a block from Geiger and Spangler. DePauw ultimately finished the set with the final two points.
DePauw carried the momentum into the second set, taking a 25-8 decision. Peters and Kira Geiger provided kills early in the frame, while Geiger and Spangler combined for a block as the Yeowomen stayed within 6-5 before the Tigers used a 9-0 run to take control. Oberlin continued to battle through the remainder of the set, with Mara Geiger and Spangler adding kills.
The Crimson and Gold came out of the break with another strong effort, matching DePauw point-for-point early in the third set after falling behind 9-0. Oberlin answered with a 6-4 stretch to cut the deficit to 14-6, with Walker and Kira Geiger recording kills during the run. Lovelace and Mara Geiger added kills later in the frame, while Gauthier delivered Oberlin's lone service ace. DePauw closed out the set 25-11 to complete the three-set match.
The Crimson and Gold will host Capital on Wednesday, September 30, at 7 p.m.
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