Oberlin, Ohio — The Oberlin College volleyball team battled back from an opening-set loss to defeat Capital University in four sets on Wednesday night, 19-25, 25-21, 26-24, 25-22. The Obies finished the night with 54 kills and a .194 team hitting percentage.
Kira Geiger led all players with 18 kills and added a match-high seven blocks, while Mara Geiger finished with 17 kills. Peters added nine kills and led Oberlin with 15 digs. Spangler finished with 37 assists, three aces, and 10 digs, while Lovelace contributed 13 digs. Oberlin finished the night with advantages in kills (54-38), assists (47-35), blocks (8-7), and digs (59-54).
Oberlin opened the match with a competitive first set, staying within striking distance before Capital closed out the frame, 25-19. Kira Geiger provided an early spark with a kill off a set from Emily Spangler, while Mara Geiger added a pair of kills as the Obies kept pace with the Comets.
Spangler helped fuel a strong stretch midway through the set, recording a service ace before connecting with Mara Geiger for another Oberlin point. The Obies pulled ahead 7-6 before Capital responded with three straight points, but Oberlin continued to apply pressure. Klarissa Yu, Mary Ellen Lovelace, and Genna Gauthier all contributed as the Crimson and Gold stayed within two points at 13-11 and later trimmed the deficit to 17-14.
Late in the frame, Brylie Peters and Kira Geiger kept Oberlin within reach, with Geiger adding another kill to make it 24-18. Peters followed with another point, but Capital secured the opening set, 25-19.
Oberlin responded in the second set, finding its offensive rhythm and evening the match. The Obies put together 17 kills while hitting a match-best .289, with Kira and Mara Geiger continuing to lead the attack. Oberlin also limited its mistakes in the frame, committing just four attack errors on 45 attempts. The balanced offensive effort helped the Crimson and Gold pull away late and secure the 25-21 victory.
The third set provided the night's tightest finish. Oberlin continued to trade points with Capital throughout the frame, with neither team able to pull away. The Obies recorded 11 kills and added two blocks as they stayed composed in the closing points. Oberlin ultimately edged the Comets, 26-24, taking a 2-1 lead in the match.
With the match on the line, Oberlin closed it out in the fourth. The Obies produced 13 kills and continued to pressure Capital at the net, while the Comets were held to just five kills and a -.095 hitting percentage. Oberlin maintained its advantage through the closing points and finished off the comeback with a 25-22 win.
Oberlin will hit the road to Bluffton on Tuesday, October 6th at 7p.m.
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