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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Cassi Calamunci kill to send JCU to 2022 OAC Championship
Kaeleigh Patriski
It was only fitting that Cassi Calamunci delivered the kill to send JCU into the OAC Championship for the first time in nearly a decade. 
2
Muskingum MUSK 18-8,5-4 OAC
3
Winner John Carroll JCU 21-7,6-3 OAC
Muskingum MUSK
18-8,5-4 OAC
2
Final
3
John Carroll JCU
21-7,6-3 OAC
Winner
Set Scores
Team 1 2 3 4 5 F
Muskingum MUSK 25 23 17 25 11 (2)
John Carroll JCU 21 25 25 20 15 (3)

Game Recap: Volleyball | | Owen Gerba, Staff Writer

Volleyball Thunders into OAC Championship Match by Conquering the Fighting Muskies

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS -- Just last Saturday, John Carroll Volleyball clinched the #2 seed in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament with a win over Muskingum.

The home court advantage proved crucial in the OAC Tournament Semifinal on Thursday.

The Blue Streaks roared for a thrilling 3-2 conquest of the Fighting Muskies at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center in front of a raucous home crowd. 

An energy-filled DeCarlo Center helped the Blue Streaks hop out to an early 5-1 lead in set one. Steph Conley capitalized on a big momentum point early for the Blue Streaks, but Muskingum kept themselves in the set with a couple big points of their own. 

Both teams worked hard for every point. Playoff volleyball in the OAC has a dynamic feel distinct from the regular season, and the energy matched the intensity on the floor. 

Muskingum answered, tying the set at 11. From there, the Muskies rode the momentum to go up 18-14. Muskingum kept the momentum and closed out set one 25-21. 

The Muskies jumped out ahead early in set two, showing veteran poise. The Blue Streaks came back strong midway through the set, but a Muskie response answered quickly to put them up 18-15.

The Blue Streaks keep it close through the middle of the set and forced back to back timeouts from Muskingum. The momentum swing is just what the Blue Streaks needed, as Ally Bartolone finished the set in style for the Blue Streaks as a critical set two was won by the Streaks. 

Set three opened with the residual electricity from the comeback in set two, with the Blue Streaks going up 4-0. 

The Blue Streaks force a time out up 13-8 quickly in set three. All gas no brake says Ally Bartolone, who continues to cruise offensively for the Blue Streaks.

The Blue Streaks kept it rolling, jumping to a 20-12 lead to force another Muskie timeout. 

The Blue Streaks finished off the set, 25-17, as the fans erupted with the Blue & Gold rolling in every aspect. 

With a 2-1 John Carroll lead going into set four, the Muskies came out swinging, going up 7-2 right out the gate. 

The Blue Streaks propelled themselves back within one before Muskie took the lead once again at 14-8. The Muskies rode the momentum and hold steady with a 19-13 lead, which forced a timeout from Coach Benoit.

Muskingum took the set, 25-20, and forced a set 5. 

The atmosphere was unbelievable to start the final set, as both teams traded points early. The John Carroll faithful were on their feet as the whole building knew the season was on the line. 

Ally Bartolone once again gave the Blue Streaks an 8-5 lead and forced a Muskie timeout. 

Muskingum made a stand down 14-9 to bring the game within three. 

After a back and forth rally, the OAC Player of the Year Cassi Calamunci ended the game with a power kill to send the Blue Streaks to the OAC Championship for the first time since 2014. 

"I'm really proud, we have been doing it all season and everyone stepped up tonight," said Coach Benoit. "You gotta love the kind of rally we had .. Jenn Follmer and Ally Bartolone played great, Cassi came up clutch when we needed her. It feels so good to earn it."

Coach Benoit and the Blue Streaks also loved the energy of the building.

"I really loved the supporting streaks part of the game. The girls fed off the electricity from the crowd, today was really exactly what it is about.

"We are super excited to get the chance to prove ourselves after being ranked No. 8 in the preseason rankings." 

The Blue Streaks advance to take on Otterbein in Westerville on Saturday for the OAC Championship at 1 pm.
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