GOLDEN, Colo. - The Davenport University women's volleyball team split its opening matches on its season-opening day at the Oredigger Classic.
Sophomore Karley Pretzer set a new career-high in game one with 17 kills, while adding four digs and an assist.
Match One vs. South Dakota Mines
Result: W, 3-1 (24-26, 25-14, 25-21, 27-25)
How it Happened
The first set was marked by a tight contest as momentum swung back and forth. Davenport rallied late with Abby Alan leading the charge, scoring multiple crucial kills from Madison Berry's assists, including a key point at 24-24 to level the score. Despite the comeback effort, the Hardrockers secured the set 26-24 with a service ace to clinch the win.
Davenport opened the second set with a 3-0 lead thanks to a kill by Pretzer and a service ace by Julia Frederick. Berry consistently set up her teammates, contributing to multiple scoring runs, including a decisive 5-0 stretch that pushed the score to 14-6, highlighted by kills from Pretzer and Kaitlin Jordan. Alan's offensive efforts, marked by multiple kills and a service ace, helped secure the set's conclusion at 25-14, as Davenport's defense solidified with a block by Pretzer to clinch the set.
The third set began with the Hardrockers taking the first point, but Davenport quickly responded with a kill from Jordan at 1-1, setting the tone for the aggressive play. Alan delivered back-to-back service aces, pushing the score to 8-4, in part of a 5-1 run that showcased strong momentum for Davenport. Hayley Carr's effective service game and Berry's setting contributed to a series of scoring plays, including a pivotal kill by Pretzer, extending the lead to 14-5. Despite a late push from the Hardrockers, Davenport maintained their advantage, capitalizing on errors and closing the set 25-21 with a service error by the opposition, cementing their decisive performance.
The fourth set began with a closely contested start, as both teams traded points, but the Hardrockers gained a slight edge at 5-2. Davenport responded with a key block by Kaitlyn Marsh and Livi Overbeek at 5-4, which helped them pull back into contention. Alan's consistent performance, including her crucial kill at 17-16 and a service ace at 24-24, kept Davenport competitive throughout the set. In a tense finish, Berry's assistance on the final plays, with a kill from Pretzer and a block alongside Marsh, sealed a dramatic 27-25 comeback victory for Davenport.
Alan led the team with 20 kills and added five aces, contributing significantly to her total of 26 points. Berry orchestrated the offense with 51 assists while also collecting 15 digs. Carr anchored the defense with 16 digs.
Match Two vs. Colorado School of Mines
Result: L, 3-1 (25-20, 17-25, 25-13, 25-15)
How it Happened
Davenport opened set one with a promising start, tying the score at 5-5 with key kills from Jordan and Alan. The team remained competitive, with Berry contributing multiple assists, including a pivotal set to Overbeek that tied the game at 15-15. Despite a late push with defensive blocks from Jordan and Overbeek, Davenport was unable to overcome a strong finish by the Orediggers, who secured the set 25-20.
Davenport began the second set with momentum, capitalizing on a service error by the Orediggers for an early lead. The visitors maintained control through strategic plays, with Alan and Pretzer each delivering key kills. Berry's consistent setting facilitated a decisive run, including a sequence where Davenport extended their advantage to 17-11 with contributions from Jordan and Swan. The set concluded with Davenport sealing the 25-17 win, punctuated by a final kill from Swan, showcasing the team's effective offensive execution throughout.
The third set began with Davenport gaining an early edge as Frederick delivered a service ace to open the scoring. Despite the initial advantage, the Orediggers responded with a series of attacks, spearheaded by Amanda Donais Dudley, to take control. Davenport's Marsh and Swan made key plays, but the Orediggers maintained pressure, capitalizing on a 5-point run mid-set to secure a 25-13 victory.
Set four began with the Orediggers taking an early lead, powered by consecutive kills from Dudley, and a service ace from Hailee Martinez, setting the score at 4-0. Davenport responded with Jordan and Pretzer contributing defensively to block a Dudley attack, putting them on the board. A strategic play from Ashley Arceo, who assisted multiple teammates, allowed Swan and Morgan Tydings to secure crucial points, narrowing the gap to 8-9 midway through the set. However, a series of attack errors hindered Davenport's momentum, and the Orediggers capitalized to close out the set 25-15 with a decisive kill by Jenna McLaughlin.
Berry led the team in setting with 26 assists over four sets. Carr was a defensive standout, recording 17 digs throughout the games. Sydney Swan contributed offensively with seven kills and added nine digs on the defensive end. Kaitlyn Marsh showed versatility by posting six kills and three blocks.
Up Next
The Panthers will return to action tomorrow for their second and final day at the Oredigger Classic. DU will face nationally-ranked Washburn, as well as Colorado Christian.
