GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Karley Pretzer led the Davenport University women's volleyball team to a 3-2 victory on Friday evening, finishing with a team-high 17 kills in the five-set thriller. DU won in dramatic fashion, reverse sweeping the Rangers (13-25, 22-25, 25-23, 29-27, 17-15) at the DU Student Center. In the decisive set, Davenport recorded an impressive hitting percentage of .357 to secure the victory.

A kill by Pretzer, assisted by Madison Berry, gave the Panthers their firs point of the match in the opening set to make the score 3-1. Despite efforts from Sydney Swan, who contributed two kills, Davenport found themselves trailing as the Rangers extended their advantage,including multiple kills by Sam Fisch. Kaitlin Jordan and Ashley Arceo's collaboration provided a brief momentum shift with a kill, but the Rangers maintained control.The set concluded with the Rangers securing a 25-13 lead, despite Davenport's attempts to close the gap. 

Davenport started the second set with an early lead, after a kill by Pretzer and a series of successful plays by Abby Alan, who notched consecutive kills, taking the score to 5-3. A service error allowed the Rangers to draw level, and the teams traded points, reaching a 13-13 tie midway through the set. Davenport regained momentum with a kill by Alan and a block by Jordan and Arceo, building a 19-15 advantage. However, the Rangers capitalized on a series of plays by Irvin, who recorded multiple kills, allowing them to tie the score at 19-19. The closing moments saw Davenport briefly pull ahead with a service ace from Julia Frederick, but the Rangers responded with a final surge, taking the set 25-22. 

Davenport began the third set facing an early deficit as the Rangers managed to secure three consecutive points, including a service ace. However, Davenport quickly responded with a block by Alan, which shifted momentum. Hayley Carr's service ace further fueled a 4-0 run, leveling the score at 3-3. Overbeek's effective play, including a kill and a service ace, propelled Davenport to widen their lead to 14-9. The home team maintained their advantage with Pretzer and Jordan combining for crucial kills, pushing the score to 19-14. The Rangers closed the gap with a series of successful plays, tying the score at 21-21. Davenport regained the lead with a block by Jordan and a decisive kill from Pretzer, sealing the set at 25-23.

The fourth set opened with Davenport displaying resilience, as Alan quickly contributed with a kill from Berry to establish an early lead. Despite trading points with the Rangers, Davenport's offensive efforts were highlighted by a series of kills from Jordan and Amelia Werner, keeping the score tight. Momentum shifted as the Rangers took a 17-11 lead, but Davenport responded with a critical service ace from Livi Overbeek, sparking a run that brought them within one point at 21-20. Continuing to pressure, Davenport capitalized on attack errors by the Rangers and a service ace from Jordan to level the score. As the set neared its conclusion, Davenport capitalized on a service error by the Rangers and a critical block by Berry and Jordan, sealing the set with a 29-27 victory.

Davenport initiated the fifth set with momentum, securing an early point with a kill from Pretzer, assisted by Berry. Despite a responsive kill from the Rangers' Fisch, Davenport capitalized on a series of errors by UWP, including an attack error by Fisch and a block from Overbeek and Jordan, to establish a 4-1 lead. A service ace by Overbeek further extended Davenport's lead to 8-6. The set remained tightly contested as both teams exchanged points, with Pretzer contributing key kills to keep Davenport ahead. The Rangers managed to tie the score at 11-11 with Irvin's kill and a service ace. Davenport responded effectively, with Pretzer and Alan adding more points to help maintain a narrow edge. Davenport closed the set with decisive plays, including consecutive attack errors forced on Polavin by Overbeek's pressure, securing a 17-15 victory in the set.

Madison Berry facilitated the offense with 30 assists, effectively distributing the ball throughout the match. Jordan added 12 kills and contributed 15.5 points. Frederick anchored the defense with 28 digs, helping keep the team competitive in each set.

Up Next
The Panthers will conclude their regular season on Saturday at home against Roosevelt at 3 p.m.