NEW CONCORD, Ohio — The Kenyon College volleyball team fell to Muskingum University in straight sets Friday, dropping a 3-0 decision at the Anne C. Steele Center. The Fighting Muskies claimed the match by scores of 25-13, 25-22 and 25-18.
Kenyon faced an early deficit in the opening set as Muskingum jumped out to a 5-0 lead behind a pair of service aces from Mackenzie Krous. The Owls battled back, using kills from
Bryn Carrigan and
Sophia Menke to remain within reach, but
Muskingum built a commanding advantage and closed out the set, 25-13.
The Owls showed greater resistance in the second set, trading points with the Fighting Muskies throughout the early stages. Trailing 10-5, Kenyon rallied behind kills from
Christiana Paul and Carrigan, along with a service ace from
Makena Rodriguez, to pull within two points at 10-8.
Kenyon continued to battle, eventually taking an 18-17 lead before Muskingum answered to even the score at 19-19. The teams remained close until the Fighting Muskies broke a 22-22 tie with three consecutive points to secure the 25-22 victory and take a 2-0 match lead.
Muskingum carried that momentum into the third set, although Kenyon initially grabbed a 3-0 advantage. The Fighting Muskies responded to take control and gradually extended their lead. Kenyon attempted a late comeback, with libero
Arianna Flota recording three consecutive service aces to cut the deficit from 24-14 to 24-17. Menke added a kill to bring the Owls within six, but Muskingum closed out the match with a 25-18 set win.
Olivia Gumz led Kenyon with seven kills, while Carrigan added four.
Hannah Schwemm distributed 15 assists and contributed nine digs. Flota paced the Owls defensively with 13 digs and recorded a team-high five service aces.
Kenyon will look to bounce back on Tuesday, October 20 at Oberlin College.
