By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Dayton, OH---Ciarra Wirick produced a season-high 35 assists in a 22-25, 25-17, 21-25, 22-25 loss to Sinclair Community College tonight.

Wirick, a freshman, added nine digs, three blocks, three aces and three kills while stepping up in the absence of Jessica Cooper, who only played one game tonight.

Lisa Urbanski remained a steady influence defensively with 27 digs, while adding two kills. In addition to Wirick's nine, Aricka LaVoy (8), Kayla Siefker (6) and Kennedy Geyman (5) also helped in digs.

Siefker and Jazmine Thomas each had a team-high seven kills, while Kenzie Kleinhenz and Stephanie Kipp each added six kills. 

Siefker also led the team with seven blocks (all assisted), while Thomas had four total blocks (two assisted).

Notes

Wirick's previous high in assists was 28, which she accomplished on Aug. 30 against Mott Community College. She increased her team lead in assists tonight, as well, over Cooper.

Siefker's seven blocks were a season-high for her. Her previous high was four against Columbus State on Sept. 14.

Urbanski increased her career dig total to 1,341. She is third on the career list.

The Express are now 10-11 overall and 4-2 in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). They will travel to Vincennes, IN this weekend to take part in the Vincennes Invitational. Vincennes University is the host school and the Express will take part in four matches over two days on Friday and Saturday.

Sinclair improved to 23-2 overall and 5-1 in the OCCAC. They took over sole possession of second place in the OCCAC with tonight's win, while the Express fell into sole possession of third place. Columbus State (7-0) remains in first place.