GOLDEN, Colo. -  The Davenport University concluded its opening weekend at the Oredigger Classic on Saturday afternoon, splitting its two matches on the final day of action. 

Abby Alan was named to the All-Tournament team, finishing the four matches with 49 kills, 3.27 kills per set and 61 points. 

Match One vs. #22 Washburn
Result: L, 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-14, 25-15)
How it Happened:
DU got out to an early 2-0 lead in the opening set with a block by Kaitlin Jordan and Alan. Madison Berry orchestrated the offense efficiently, contributing multiple assists, including pivotal setups for Alan's consistent attacks, which helped secure a 25-20 victory. Notably, Alan delivered back-to-back service aces, extending the lead to 16-10 and setting the tone for a decisive finish.

In the second set, the Ichabods took an early lead with a 3-0 start. The Panthers responded with a series of strong plays, including a kill by Morgan Tydings assisted by Berry, leveling the score at 4-4. Despite a resilient effort from the Panthers, highlighted by Alan's three kills, the Ichabods maintained their advantage and closed the set 25-17 with a final kill by Bella Limback.

The third set began with a service ace from the Ichabods' Corinna McMullen, but the Panthers quickly responded with a kill by Karley Pretzer, assisted by Berry, to tie the score at 1-1. As the set progressed, Berry consistently set up her teammates, contributing assists on several key kills by Kaitlyn Marsh and Jordan. Despite the efforts, the Ichabods' offensive pressure, led by Brynne Topolski and service aces from Taylor Rottinghaus, ultimately pushed them ahead, closing the set with a 25-14 victory.

After Alan notched a kill in the opening moments to tie the set 1-1, the Ichabods quickly built momentum, extending a lead to 6-1 with a series of kills by Natalie Hedlund. Despite the Panthers' efforts to close the gap, highlighted by a service ace from Jordan reducing the deficit to 15-10, the Ichabods maintained control. A late push from the Panthers, including another kill from Alan and a service ace by Jordan, was not enough to overcome the Ichabods' lead, as the set concluded with the Ichabods securing a 25-15 victory.

Jordan led the team defensively with five total blocks across four games. Alan contributed significantly on offense, registering 15 kills and serving two aces, resulting in a team-high 17.5 points. Berry facilitated the offense, dishing out a team-high 37 assists.

Match Two vs. Colorado Christian
Result: W, 3-1 (28-30, 25-23, 25-22, 25-16)
How it Happened:
Karley Pretzer led the squad with 17 kills on 40 attempts, which tied a career-high she set yesterday in the season opener.  

The first set saw a tense back-and-forth between both teams, with neither side gaining a substantial lead. Davenport initially kept pace, with Alan securing multiple kills, including an early one at 6-2 and another crucial point at 10-7. Berry set up Marsh for a kill to tie the set at 23 apiece. Despite the Panthers' efforts and a late kill by Jordan at 27-27, the Cougars managed to edge ahead, closing the set 30-28.

Berry's consistent play was pivotal, setting up multiple key kills for Marsh and Pretzer, helping the Panthers maintain a narrow lead in the second set. As the Cougars closed in, tying the score at 20-20, Berry again delivered with consecutive assists to Pretzer, allowing the Panthers to regain control. A late block by Marsh and Tydings pushed the squad to set point, and a final attack error by Suzanna Conner secured a 25-23 victory for the Panthers in a tightly contested set.

The third set opened with Marsh and Berry leading the charge for the home team, with Marsh delivering two consecutive kills and Berry assisting on key plays. Julia Frederick's service ace pushed the hosts ahead 3-0 early on. Berry continued to be instrumental, assisting on multiple plays, including a critical kill by Tydings to tie the set at 16-16. As the set drew to a close, Jordan's kill, followed by Pretzer's attack, sealed the 25-22 victory, with Danielle Seabern's ball handling error cementing the final point.

In the fourth set, the Cougars took an early lead, reaching 8-3 after a series of attack errors and service aces. However, a strong response from Davenport's Pretzer, who scored consecutive kills, initiated a comeback to tie the score at 8-8. Berry's setups fueled a crucial mid-set surge, including a successful run of five unanswered points, pushing the Panthers ahead 14-10. With the score at 20-14, Alan's back-to-back service aces widened the gap, and despite a late service error, Marsh and Pretzer effectively closed out the set with decisive kills, securing a 25-16 victory for the Panthers.

Berry posted a season-high 47 assists, helping facilitate the Panthers offense. Marsh was a force at the net, recording 12 kills and six total blocks, contributing to her 15 points. Hayley Carr anchored the defense with a match-high 17 digs.

Up Next
Looking ahead, the Panthers will return home to host the Hampton Inn and Suites Grand Rapids Downtown Downtown Classic on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 12-13).