Volleyball Mounts Fierce Effort but Falls Twice to Cardinals

3/23/2021 10:21:00 PM | By: Morgan Mueller, Staff Writer

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- The John Carroll University Volleyball team competed against Otterbein University and lost all six matches in Westerville. The Blue Streaks now have a season record of 4-4.

The Blue Streaks lost the first match by scores of 8-25, 22-25, and 21-25. In the second match, they lost by scores of 25-27, 22-25, and 20-25.

The Blue and Gold struggled playing defense against the Cardinals throughout the first game, and experienced some communication errors. The Blue Streaks had a hard time blocking and serve receiving throughout the game against a tough Otterbein squad that has a very good chance at winning the conference championship.

John Carroll had a 4-point lead in the second set following a few Otterbein offensive errors, but blocks by Otterbein's front row stopped the momentum. The JCU front row did well using tips, yet was ultimately unsuccessful on offense in the opener.

Jenn Follmer was a consistent hitter throughout the matches and Ally Bartolone did a great job of hustling and making passes work for her front row. Outside hitter Abigail Kirk faced a tough challenge in attacking outside of Otterbein's block, but kept swinging and finding ways to score points.

The third set of the first game started off extremely competitive as both teams kept going back and forth scoring individual points. Despite a fierce challenge by the Blue Streaks, Otterbein earned a close win.

Otterbein had nine service aces in the first game, and John Carroll had two from Cindy Woo and Lexi MacDonald. Ava Nice and Kailee Herbst both led in blocks. Jenn Follmer led in kills with nine for the first game.

The second game had Kirk leading in kills (8) along with Bartolone leading with assists (10). Anna Coughlin chipped in 13 digs to lead the way.

The Blue Streaks had to play catch up with Otterbein, as the hosts perfectly placed serves. But John Carroll nearly stole set one in the second match, as Otterbein could not wrap up the contest until 27-25. JCU showed strong resilience throughout the evening.

Otterbein conquered JCU by 3 and 5 points in the second and third sets, despite strong play from Cassi Calamunci and others. Calamunci did well all around the court tonight, and kept the team energy high. Bartolone additionally helped the Blue Streaks immensely with covering blocks and taking hard digs missed by the front row blocks.

JCU now owns a 4-4 mark in conference play, ranking sixth in the OAC standings. Otterbein is one of the favorites to win the conference, now standing at 9-1 on the year.

John Carroll will take their talents back to University Heights to play against Ohio Northern University on March 26 at 4 and 6 p.m. The Polar Bears stand at 6-2 after tonight.

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