By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, Ohio---On the same day the Owens Community College women's volleyball team rose to No. 4 in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II poll, the team saw itself down 21-15 to Lakeland Community College in the first set.
No worries, however, as Owens rallied to capture a thrilling 31-29 win in the first set en route to a straight set win, which improved the team's record to 28-5 overall and 10-0 in Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) play.
Furthermore, the win was the 14th straight for Owens, which will be back in action Friday at 6 p.m. in the Student Health and Activities Center (SHAC) against Lorain County Community College. Should they win, Owens would capture at least a share of the OCCAC championship.
In the first set, Owens got itself back into it with some solid serving from Brooke Gyori (Clay/Oregon, Ohio) to tie it at 21-all. Following two straight points from Lakeland, Owens responded with three straight to force game point. Lakeland, however, answered and forced a back-and-forth finish before Owens eventually got the win.
With the set tied at 29-all, Macy Reigelsperger (Coldwater/Coldwater, Ohio) got a kill and then a stuff block to finish it.
Owens controlled much of the second set despite the close finish. Christine Tylutki (Monroe/Monroe, Mich.) closed the set with a stuff block.
In the third set, Lakeland found itself down throughout as Owens swept Lakeland for the second time this year.
Reigelsperger finished with a team-high 13 kills, while Erika Hartings (Coldwater/Coldwater, Ohio) added 10. Taylor Purcell (Bedford/Temperance, Mich.) and Ally Mikesell (St. Henry/St. Henry, Ohio) each chipped in five apiece, as well.
Deanna Smith (Riverview/Riverview, Mich.) and Tylutki led the team in assists with 21 and 13, respectively, while Gyori led the team in digs with 22. Mikesell (17) and Tylutki (14) also contributed effectively along with Gyori defensively.
Tylutki and Reigeslperger each had a team-high four blocks, with two coming of the solo variety for each player.
Notes
Tonight's match was broadcast live on BCSN.