CINCINNATI, Ohio – After two away tournaments, the Mount St. Joseph University Women's Volleyball team returned home for the weekend, hosting the Marietta Pioneers and conference rival Franklin Grizzlies.
MATCH 1 | MSJ 1-3 Franklin (25-27, 25-23, 19-25, 22-25)
To start Saturday morning, the Lions faced the Franklin Grizzlies, who entered the match on a 15-game winning streak. MSJ opened the match with a competitive first set, battling back and forth with Franklin before the Grizzlies narrowly took the set, 27-25.
The Lions did not back down and came out strong in the second set. MSJ continued to battle point-for-point, with Grace Crider providing an offensive spark with several kills. The Lions used the momentum to make a late run and take the second set, 25-23, evening the match at 1-1.
The competition remained strong throughout the third set, with both teams fighting to gain an advantage. Franklin ultimately pulled ahead to take the set, 25-19.
The Lions continued to fight in the fourth set, but Franklin closed out the match, taking the final set 25-22 and earning a 3-1 victory.
Aubrey Miranda led the Lions offensively with 15 kills, while Ginger Johnson and Ava Moore helped keep the offense moving with a combined 47 assists.
MATCH 2 | MSJ 1-3 Marietta (21-25, 25-13, 15-25, 12-25)
To finish off the weekend, the Lions and Pioneers faced each other in their final match. Marietta opened the first set with a 5-1 run, while MSJ slowly began to close the gap. The Lions continued to challenge the Pioneers and keep the set competitive, but Marietta maintained its lead and took the opening set, 25-21.
The Lions didn't slow down in the second set. MSJ stepped up its game and worked together to rally points from the start. The Lions went on multiple runs throughout the set, keeping the Pioneers from gaining momentum. MSJ pulled away and took the second set, 25-13.
Grace Crider and Sydney Doty led the team with seven combined aces, helping the Lions rally points and build momentum throughout the match.
The Lions faced a strong offensive attack from the Pioneers in the third set, forcing MSJ to regroup and find its momentum. Despite their efforts to regain control, the Pioneers took the third set, 25-15.
While the Lions fought hard throughout the fourth set, both teams exchanged points as MSJ looked to extend the match. The front row continued to attack with strong swings, as Aubrey Miranda finished the match with 15 kills, followed by Mary Kolozsy with nine. The Pioneers ultimately pulled ahead and secured the fourth set, earning a 3-1 victory over the Lions.
