Volleyball team wins five-set thriller over Alma

OLIVET, Mich. – The Olivet College volleyball team defeated Alma College in a five-set thriller 14-25, 25-15, 23-25, 25-22, 15-9 tonight at Cutler Event Center.  

The Comets got off to a slow start in the first set allowing Alma to take the win, 25-14. Olivet did not let down as it came back strong in the second set. The Comets recorded 14 kills, two errors and 32 attempts for a .375 hitting percentage, to win the set. 

In sets three and four, the two teams played very even splitting them. Alma hit .180 and Olivet hit .179 in set three, with Alma taking it 25-23. In set four, the Comets hit .125 and the Scots hit .118, with Olivet coming out on top 25-22. 

In the fifth set, Alma took a 1-0 lead and a 2-1 lead and then never led again. The Comets won 15-9 holding the Scots to a .000 hitting percentage in the comeback victory.

Olivet was paced by junior Emma Brann who had 21 kills on 44 attempts with a .386 hitting percentage. Sophomore Marissa Guile had seven block assists and two solo blocks. Junior Megan VanderVlucht led the defense with 21 digs. Freshman Danielle Bearden had three service aces which was part of a team-high eight aces.  Sophomore setter Taylor Pringle dished out 25 assists and Bearden added another 16.

The Comets are off this weekend and play at home again next Friday, Oct. 4 against Trine (Ind.) University. Match time is 6:30 p.m.