By: Jacob Curry, The Circuit
The William Woods University Owls spoils the Ravens home opener in straight sets despite hard fought sets.
Benedictine won their season opener in Kansas City against former Heart Conference member Avila University. After sweeping three straight sets and collecting the first win of the season, the Ravens set their sights on their home opener against William Woods University.
Inside the Nolan Gymnasium, the Raven faithful showed to support the team, and even with the loss the team did not disappoint.
The first set saw the Ravens go down 25-21, in which they were trailing by 10 at the most. Set two saw the William Woods come from behind to collect a 25-23 win. The third and final set saw William Woods secure the match victory by a set final of 25-18.
The Ravens finished with a .110 attack percentage while collecting 25 kills for the three sets played. Ravens’ player Fleur Wesselink collected eight kills to lead the offense. Paxton Throne had 13 assists to lead the Ravens.
Defensively over the three sets the Ravens collected 14 block assists and one team block, the defense also finished with 49 digs. Aretha Victalino lead the defensive side of play with five blocked assists. Abby Brown finished the night with a team high 18 digs for the back row.
The William Woods Owls finished with a .184 attack percentage while also finishing with 43 kills over the three sets. Rayleen Rivera and Tory Wiley lead the offensive charge with ten kills apiece.
Defensively the Owls finished with eight block assists. Jaclyn Zahn lead the way for the Owls with three block assists. Two players lead the Owls in digs as both Jessica Jensen and Melanie Kala finished the match with 12 digs a piece.
The Ravens will be on the road for the next 12 games and return home September 18th to take on MidAmerica Nazarene University.
