Ooks unable to close against Eagles

EDMONTON, Alta. - The NAIT Ooks women's volleyball was unable to close out the King's University Eagles, falling 3-1 in the second-semester opener. 

In the first game after the holiday break, the Ooks found themselves hosting the 11-1, first place King's University Eagles. NAIT came out strong in the first set taking an 8-3 lead. The Eagles managed to weather the Ooks attack and grab the momentum, resulting in a 25-19 opening set victory. 

In the second set, the Ooks came out strong again, leading 11-4 partway through the set. King's once again began to come back, but NAIT was able to hold on to take a 25-23 set win, tieing the match at one. 

The third set was a back and forth battle throughout the majority of the set before the Eagles pulled away late to claim a 25-18 victory. The fourth set was very similar, both teams fighting for every point. The Ooks went up late but were unable to fend off the nationally-ranked Eagles. NAIT would fall 25-23 in the set and 3-1 in the match. 

"Skill-wise, I feel like we are there, we just have a hard time staying composed and finishing sets," said Ooks' head coach Benj Heinrichs following the match.

Players of the Game

NAIT Ooks - Julia Donnelly

King's Eagles - Kristyn Shannon

The Big Picture:

NAIT Ooks - 4-9 - 4th in the ACAC North

King's Eagles - 12-1 - 1st in the ACAC  North

What's Next?

The two teams will rematch tomorrow night in the King's Gymnasium at 6:00 pm.