Otterbein volleyball defeated Kenyon College Wednesday — the 13th-ranked Cardinals won the first, second and fourth sets to improve to 14-4 on the season.
Otterbein opened up the first set strong, taking the lead from the start. They wouldn’t surrender the lead for the rest of the set, eventually winning it, 25-17.
The momentum of the first set carried over to the second set. The two teams traded points back and forth early, but Otterbein eventually caught their stride again, putting together numerous 3-point and 4-point runs to take the set, 25-16.
The third set was the toughest set of the night for the Cardinals. Otterbein started off the set strong, jumping out to a 9-6 lead early. But, Kenyon put together a few 3-point runs of their own, and took the set, 25-19.
“We got a little complacent,” said head coach Monica McDonald of the third set. “We didn’t serve as well, we didn’t pass as well, and things just kind of spiraled out of control. Luckily, we were able to rebound in the fourth game.”
During the fourth frame, Otterbein and Kenyon came to a 10-10 tie. From there, Otterbein went on a 10-1 run, setting the tone for the rest of the set. The Cardinals would take the fourth and final set, 25-20.
Senior libero Emily Caldwell led Otterbein with 14 digs, while junior setter Tabatha Piper led with 11 kills and 39 assists.
Although McDonald believes that the team needs to focus more against their next opponent, she was happy to see the depth that the team can offer.
“A lot of players played in the match, probably 12 or 13 players, and we were able to win,” she said. “I think we got some young players some experience that they’ll need down the road, and I think those were the main positives of the night.”
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