FINDLAY, Ohio — Findlay defeated the Golden Eagle volleyball team (10-12, 4-4 PSAC) in straight sets on Sunday afternoon at Croy Physical Education Center, winning 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-18).
Claire Bickett led the Clarion offensive effort with 10 kills on 31 attempts, posting a .290 hitting percentage and adding a service ace.
Finley Kearney contributed with five kills on nine swings, achieving a .333 hitting percentage, and added a block.
Haley Fledderjohann had a team-high 12 digs.
In the first set the teams exchanged points early, with
Raegan Stader and Bickett contributing kills to keep the score close at 4-4. However, the Oilers capitalized on several Clarion attack errors and a series of kills by Lauren Foerster and Victoria Mescher to gain an 8-4 lead. Kearney and
Addy Turek responded with kills, narrowing the gap to 9-7. Despite this effort, the Oilers extended their lead to 18-10, fueled by strong plays from Emma White's assists and Grace Auer's blocking. Clarion found momentum late in the set, with
Emily Klopp and
Haley Fledderjohann adding key points and service aces to cut the deficit to 20-15. The set concluded with the Oilers maintaining their advantage, closing out the set 25-17 after a service error from the Golden Eagles and a final block by Victoria Mescher.
In the second set, Bickett and
Natalie Karrick contributed key kills to keep the score close, and Turek's service ace gave Clarion a brief 8-7 advantage. However, the Oilers responded with a series of points, including service aces by Hannah Miller and effective play from Makenna Belcher, to regain momentum. As the set progressed, Clarion's
Emily Klopp and
Finley Kearney made pivotal plays, with each recording a block and a kill, respectively, to narrow the deficit. Despite these efforts, the Oilers maintained the lead, benefiting from consistent assists by Emma White. Clarion managed to stay within striking distance, but the Oilers ultimately secured the set with a 25-20 finish, extending their overall lead in the match.
The third set began with the Oilers maintaining their momentum from previous sets. Clarion countered early with Bickett and Karrick registering kills, keeping the score tight at 13-7. However, the Oilers' Emma White facilitated key plays, allowing their team to widen the gap. Despite the Golden Eagles' efforts, including impactful contributions from
Taylor Haupt and Bickett, who each added crucial points, the Oilers' consistency in attack proved challenging. A service ace from Bickett briefly shifted momentum, but the Oilers remained resilient. The set concluded with the Oilers securing a 25-18 victory, despite Clarion's late push featuring kills from
Karlee Berchtold and Bickett.
