August 29 – ALLIANCE, Ohio – The Bethany College Bison volleyball team (2-0) started their season on the right foot, winning a pair of contests on day one of the University of Mount Union tournament. Bethany defeated St. Mary's College, 3-1, before going on to sweep Lawrence College in straight games (3-0).
Match one saw Bethany drop the first game to St. Mary's, 25-21, before rallying to grab the next three. In game two the Bison notched a 25-21 victory, while in the third game they were able to secure a 25-17 win. They then closed out the win with a 25-19 clincher.
Lynsie Mandt (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne) and Dylana McKenzie (Hopewell, Ohio /West Muskingum) paced the Bison on offense, as both Mandt and McKenzie each notched 13 kills. Arielle Sanders (Maple Heights, Ohio/Maple Heights) and Samantha Katchen (Fox River Grove, Ill. /Cary Grove) also joined in on the fun, as both had seven kills each. Mackenzie Lauber (Mansfield, Ohio /Madison Mansfield) was critical as well, logging 37 assists.
Defensively, the Bison were led by Lauber and Mandt. Lauber registered 10 digs, while Mandt pitched in with nine and five block assists.
In the second match of the night, the Bison took care of business early, winning in straight games over Lawrence College. Bethany would go on to win by scores of 25-14, 25-23, 25-19.
Bethany's offense was spearheaded by twins Dylana and Dakota McKenzie (Hopewell, Ohio /West Muskingum). Both were forces to be reckoned with as Dylana finished with seven kills and Dakota 13. Lauber and Allie Powell (Indianapolis, Ind. /Lawrence Central) also played integral roles in the win. Lauber contributed with 15 assists, while Powell matched that total with 15 of her own.
Defensively, Bethany logged five blocks on their way to limiting the opponent to just a .75 attack percentage. A big reason for the success was Julia Mouch (Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview) and Olivia Foster (New Kent, Va./New Kent). Mouch recorded 17 digs, while Foster chipped in with eight.
The Bison will conclude the tournament on Saturday, August 30, as they first will play against John Carroll at 12 p.m. Their second and final match will come against 10th ranked Mount Union. That action is slated to begin at 2 p.m. Make sure to follow all the action by clicking on the link below.
