Washington, Pennsylvania – The Oberlin College volleyball team traveled to the Keystone State for the Vicki Staton Memorial Tournament, hosted by Washington and Jefferson. Opening the weekend against Bluffton, the Crimson and Gold trailed 3-0 (25-13, 25-20, 25-21) before battling Alma to five sets (15-25, 19-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-11).
GAME ONE | BLUFFTON
Mara Geiger and
Kira Geiger led the offensive efforts, delivering nine and eight kills, respectively, while M. Geiger also added three aces.
Genna Gauthier stepped up as the primary setter, notching 22 assists. On the defensive end,
Mary Lovelace tallied 15 digs, while
Kate Budde,
Brylie Peters,
Nickiah Walker, and K. Geiger each notched a block.
The match opened with a back-and-forth effort, premiered by an M. Geiger kill. Maintaining a slight 7-6 edge, Bluffton recorded a 13-1 surge to pull ahead of Oberlin. Capitalizing on their offensive streak, the Beavers claimed the first set 25-13.
Bluffton carried their momentum into the second frame with the first six points, as the Crimson and Gold followed with the next four points, capped with a kill from Peters. Trailing 23-14, Oberlin rallied with six of the next seven points but ran out of time as the Beavers closed the second set 25-20.
The Beavers jumped out to another early 7-2 lead, but Oberlin quickly responded with a kill and ace from K. Geiger to disrupt the Bluffton rhythm. Continuing a strong offensive effort with a pair of kills from M. Geiger and an ace and a kill from Walker, the Crimson and Gold closed the gap to 9-8. Both teams continued to exchange points, but the Beavers were able to clinch the set 25-21 and the 3-0 sweep.
GAME TWO | ALMA
Battling to five sets, Oberlin dished out a forceful offensive effort as M. Geiger (hitting .361), K. Geiger, and Peters registered 18, 15, and 14 kills, respectively.
Makela Reid nearly quadrupled her personal best with 46 assists while
Emily Spangler recorded 19 digs and Lovelace added 16.
Maintaining a 10-7 advantage, the Crimson and Gold slipped behind as Alma dished out five straight points. Trailing 14-12, Oberlin executed a seven-point surge, highlighted by a pair of kills and a pair of aces from Peters. Though the Scots disrupted the Crimson and Gold attack with a kill, Oberlin continued their rhythm to claim the remaining six points, securing the 25-15 set victory.
Ahead 9-7, kills from Peters and K. Geiger, as well as successful blocks for the duo, extended Oberlin's lead to 14-7. With the 15-9 edge, the Crimson and Gold continued to tack on their offensive force capped with a pair of back-to-back M. Geiger kills. The Scots inched their way back, but Oberlin capitalized on their mid-set offensive pressure to claim the second session 25-19.
Tied 6-6, Alma delivered an 11-2 rally to pull ahead 17-8. Not submitting to the deficit, the Crimson and Gold persevered behind kills from Peters, K. Geiger, and Walker, but the Scots carried their steady momentum to win their first set 25-19.
Though Oberlin's first 13 points were all the result of a kill or ace, Alma continued their rhythm from the third set, connecting short rallies to gain a 23-15 lead. The Crimson and Gold responded with a six-point run, including a trio of kills from K. Geiger, but the Scots recorded the final two points needed to force a fifth set. While Oberlin stayed within striking of their opponent, they were unable stall the Alma attack as the Scots clinched the five-set victory.
The Crimson and Gold will continue their weekend tomorrow in the second and final day of the Vicki Staton Memorial Tournament when they take on Washington and Jefferson on Saturday, September 4 at 9 a.m.
"The opportunity to compete in this early-season tournament provides more opportunities for our team to implement our training in a highly-competitive environment. It is exciting to already see such a substantial personal record as we continue to progress throughout the season," Head Coach
Jasmine Brown continues.
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