SWEDES UNABLE TO OVERCOME OTTAWA

Ottawa, Kan.- The Bethany Swedes were on the road at Ottawa University, Friday September 29.

The Swedes hot off of their last win against Evangel took on the Braves who are ranked #23 in the NAIA Women's Volleyball Coaches Top 25 Rating - No. 3 (September 26). The Braves jumped out of the gate quickly earning a small lead over the Swedes at 4-1 in set 1. Bethany found footing and began chipping away at the lead, getting within one of the Braves at 6-7. Both teams were playing very strategic volleyball, trying to keep each out of system. Bethany tied up the set at 10-10.  Again, Ottawa went on a small run over Bethany extending their lead to three at 16-13. After a few substitutes for the Swedes, Bethany began to lose momentum allowing Ottawa to continue to extend their lead to four at 20-16. Ottawa continued to keep Bethany out of system only allowing one more point for the Swedes before the Braves closed out the set at 25-17.

Beginning of set two, Bethany kept very level headed and continued to make smart plays against Ottawa. Points were evenly earned until the Braves slightly edged a small lead at 6-4 over the Swedes. Ottawa extended their lead to 9-5 before the Swedes responded with a serving ace from Kathryn Voss followed by a kill by Madison McGuire. Bethany closed the gap at 8-10. The Braves took advantage of an error made by the Swedes and went on a run at 15-10. Bethany was determined to dig themselves out of the hole but Ottawa just kept swinging and extended their lead to 22-14. The Swedes tried to stay alive and earned an additional three points before the Braves took the set at 25-17.

Third and final set of the night got started with a quick lead for Bethany at 3-1. Ottawa chipped away at the lead and got within one of the Swedes at 3-4. Bethany continued to challenge Ottawa and both teams were playing high stakes, intense volleyball. The Braves switch the roles on Bethany, taking a lead at 9-8. The Swedes stayed level headed and continued to fight throughout the match but Ottawa found their footing and got hot to grow their lead at 18-11. The Swedes fought to lessen the lead but the Braves didn't let up and took the match at 25-17.

Notable stats from this game include, 8 kills by Atlantis Jamerson, 2 blocks by Melia Coleman, hitting at a .583 was Madison McGuire, and 13 digs by Michelle Acevedo.

Up Next for the Swedes is York University this Wednesday October 4 at 7pm.

#RockarStockar!