Senior Ellie Gillespie leads Volleyball to a three set victory over Marietta
By: Ashley Birchmeier
MARIETTA — The Ohio Northern volleyball team defeated Marietta Saturday afernoon 25-11, 25-21, 25-14 at the Ban Johnson Arena to secure the No. 2 seed next week in the Ohio Athletic Conference Tournament.
The Polar Bears conclude the regular season 22-5, 8-1 OAC, while Marietta falls to 9-19, 2-7.
In set 1, Northern dominated early as they jumped to a quick 6-2 advantage following a kill from senior Kaitlann Hogrefe.
The Polar Bears continued to extend its lead as Hogrefe lead a seven point rally from behind the service line to push the ONU lead to 13-4.
ONU would claim the 25-11 set 1 victory off a kill from senior Ellie Gillespie.
After falling behind 6-3 in set 2, the Polar Bears rallied getting a kill from Gillespie and an ace from Hogrefe to knot the score at 7-7.
After a hard fought battle ONU was able to hang on and claim the set 2 victory 25-21, led by Gillepie with five kills.
In set 3, Northern dominated taking a commanding 13-4 lead following a Marietta micue.
A kill from junior Claire Heitkamp would seal the win and propel ONU to the 3 set victory.
Gillespie led the way recording a game-high 12 kills, while Hogrefe chipped in nine.
Ohio Northern returns to action next week as they begin competition in the OAC Tournament and host a quarterfinal match aganist Mount Union Tuesday at 7 pm at the ONU Sports Center.