(WILMINGTON, Oh.) - The Quakers lost their first two matches in the Quaker Classic, dropping the first match to Franklin College 0-3 and the second to Alma College 2-3 after pushing them to the final set.
Match 1 - Franklin College Defeats Wilmington, 3-0
In the Quakers' first match of the evening, the visiting Franklin College Grizzlies swept Wilmington 3-0. Two of the three sets were decided by less than 5 points.
The Grizzlies jumped ahead early in the first set, but the Quakers fought back and tied it at 8-8. Both teams traded leads until the final four points. Down 22-21, the Grizzlies scored four straight points to win 25-22.
Each team went back and forth in the second set until Wilmington got a narrow lead 10-7. The Grizzlies then were able to mount a run and take an impressive 20-15 lead. Franklin closed out scoring four straight to win the second set 25-17.
Franklin took an early lead, up 7-2 and then 10-5 in the third set. Wilmington was unable to prevent the Grizzlies' run as they took a 19-12 lead. The Quakers made it interesting, trailing by only three points, 21-18. Franklin was able to hold off the Wilmington comeback effort and won the third set to sweep the match, 25-21.
Match 1 Notables
Match 2 - Alma College Defeats Wilmington, 3-2
Despite losing a close first set, Wilmington took a 2-1 set lead until Alma College Scots rallied, winning the next two sets to defeat the Quakers 3-2.
The first set led to a impressive 32-30 victory by the Scots. There were 16 tied scores and 8 lead changes in the first set. Both the Quakers and Scots took turns going on runs until Alma reached the set point 24-22. Wilmington were able to take a 25-24 lead in favor of the Quakers. Alma then tied it at 25 apiece, and the two teams traded leads once more. Tied 29-29, the Scots outscored the Quakers 3-1, winning the set 32-30.
Alma took the lead early in the second set, leading 7-4 until the Quakers came back and took a 13-10 lead. The two traded leads until Wilmington went on a 4-0 run, putting themselves ahead 21-17. The Scots were not able to claw back, and a final kill by Emelia Mohler won the set 25-22 in favor of the Quakers.
Wilmington once again found themselves down early in the third set. Down 19-15, the Quakers rallied to score the next four points and tie 19 apiece. Another Mohler kill once again won the set for Wilmington, 25-22.
Looking to secure their first victory, the Quakers were trailing early. Yet another late rally from Wilmington gave them a chance to put the Scots away. Down 22-19, the Scots were able to hold the Quakers scoreless over the next three sets en route to winning the fourth set 25-19.
In the fifth set, Alma's offense was just too powerful for Wilmington. The Quakers had a 7-6 lead over the Scots, but Alma went on a run. The Scots outscored the Quakers 9-2 as they came back to take the fifth set 15-9 and defeat Wilmington.
Match 2 Notables
What's Up Next
The Quakers will close out the Quaker Classic against Manchester University tomorrow on Saturday, September 6, at 5:00 pm.
