University of Findlay

Clarion, Pa.- The University of Findlay volleyball team concluded their three-match road stretch on Sunday, Sep. 20, with a non-conference match with the Clarion Golden Eagles of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Despite falling in the first two sets, the Oilers battled back to force a fifth set before falling short, 3-2 (25-19, 25-16, 17-25, 17-25, 15-11). With the loss, Findlay falls to 6-6 overall while Clarion improves to 9-4 on the season.

The Oilers struggled offensively in the opening two sets, hitting -.023 in the first and -.079 in the second. After dropping both sets, Findlay turned things around in the third and fourth.

Findlay used a five-point run to take an early 8-4 lead in the third set. Another run midway through the set extended the advantage to 16-11, a lead the Oilers would not relinquish. Senior Hannah Miller closed out the set with a kill, forcing a fourth set.

The Oilers carried that momentum into the fourth, jumping out to a 7-3 lead early. Findlay maintained control throughout the set, extending its advantage to nine at 24-15. After allowing Clarion to score twice, Miller once again ended the set with a kill, sending the match to a fifth and final set.

The Oilers fell short of completing the reverse sweep, as Clarion used a 5-1 run with the set tied at 10-10 to pull away and secure the 3-2 victory. 

Findlay hit .064 as a team, while Clarion finished at .151. The biggest difference in the match came at the net, where Clarion's blocking presence proved to be a major factor. The Golden Eagles recorded 16 blocks compared to just four from the Oilers. Findlay did find success at the service line, however, recording 11 aces to Clarion's six.

Miller continued to lead the Orange and Black, recording 20 kills and 17 digs for her seventh double-double of the season. Freshman Olivia Miller also contributed offensively with eight kills.

Sophomore Victoria Mescher added five kills and two blocks, while senior Abria Lomax recorded four kills while hitting .500.

Senior Zoya Winkelfoos directed the Findlay offense with 27 assists and added 10 digs. Junior Cecilia Palm and freshman Claire Schoenberger anchored the defense with 15 and 11 digs, respectively.

Findlay will be back in action Friday, Sep. 25 as they return to Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play. They will welcome Cedarville to Niekamp Arena for a 7pm start.