PRESQUE ISLE, ME
The Owls Volleyball team finally got back home after a near four-week break since their last home game, as they hosted the Fisher College Falcons on a busy Sunday wrapping up Homecoming weekend. The doubleheader was extremely competitive as every set was a nail biter, but in the end Fisher was able to take both matches three sets to one.
Match 1: 3-1 Falcons
How it Happened:
In the doubleheader's opening set, Fisher jumped out early, riding solid serving and attack pressure to build a lead. UMPI tried to push back, cutting into the margin at times, but The Falcons maintained composure in the late points, giving enough separation to win 25-19.
The second set was a test to both teams and proved just how competitive this match would be. Things were tighter and more back-and-forth than the previous set, as UMPI showed fight early and stayed in it through long rallies. The Owls eventually found themselves with a set point at 24-21. Though they didn't win that point, they squashed any late comeback bid from Fisher winning it 25-22.
The next set, the Falcons came out stronger, pushing UMPI behind early. They built a lead in the mid-portion of the set and managed to maintain pressure through consistent kills and forcing UMPI errors. The Owls couldn't quite get back within striking distance, and Fisher closed it 25-19, to take the swing set and a 2-1 match lead.
The final set proved to be a big grind and looked as though it could go either way—and it did seem to go both ways for a while. It ended up being one of those sets that whoever went on the run last, would come out on top. The Owls had a set-point, leading 24-23, but Fisher was able to tie it, breaking the Owls' serve. It went to extra points before the Falcons triumphed, winning four of the last five points to win it 27-25, and take match one 3-1.
Top Performers:
First-year Bailey Rosentreter, from Cheyenne, Wyoming was the big name for UMPI in this first match, tallying 10 kills. Sophomores Rylie Kolkow and Mia Gutierez came up big offensively with eight and seven kills respectively.
Evelyn Elijah had three big service aces, while Kolkow and Rosentreter ruled the net with one block apiece. Brooke Gardner continues to thrive in her role as the Owls' setter, logging 16 assists, while Libero Maubi Mateo led the defensive side of things with 25 digs. Mia Gutierrez had 19 digs, while Evelyn Elijah also showed some versatility with 12.
Match 2: 3-1 Falcons
How it Happened:
The opening set was tight early, with UMPI taking a brief lead (3-1) before Fisher regained control. Fisher put together a stretch between 14-8 and 19-12, including a service ace run, that opened a solid cushion. UMPI tried to rally, pushing to 22-21, but Fisher closed it out with a pair of kills to win 25-22.
UMPI jumped ahead 2-0 in set two, but Fisher responded, and the two teams traded points through the middle of the set. UMPI had a brief advantage, reaching 14-12, and 21-18 before Fisher went on a late run that looked as though they'd end it, leading 24-22 but the Owls dug deep with three straight points to send it past the limit. UMPI closed out the set winning five of the last six points to win 27-25.
In set three, Fisher struck early with a service ace and a solid run that stretched things to 10-6. UMPI showed fight, closing the gap to 13-11, but Fisher again delivered a strong finishing run (including pushes at 23-14 and 24-14) to take the set more decisively, 25-18 which was the biggest discrepancy for a set the whole day.
Leading 2-1, Fisher came out aggressive, quickly building an edge (13-7) aided by a service ace and sustained pressure. UMPI tried to chip away, but Fisher kept the Owls at bay, extending the lead to 21-13 at one point which was enough to outlast and win 25-19 to sweep the day.
Top Performers:
Jade Anspach stole the show for UMPI at the net, with 11 huge kills. Mia Gutierrez and Rylie Kolkow supported her efforts with eight kills each. Gutierrez also had four service aces to lead UMPI in that category. Brooke Gardner again put up big numbers, this time with 27 assists. Maubi Mateo led with 26 digs, while Mia Gutierrez (17), and Brianna Bolhuis (11) supported the defense as well.
Next Up:
UMPI will begin their conference schedule with a huge Friday night matchup against Husson University. The game will begin at 5 p.m. in Wieden Gymnasium.
