August 30 – ALLIANCE, Ohio - The Bison volleyball team (3-1) split a pair of matches to finish the University of Mount Union "Purple Raider Classic" with a 3-1 record. Today, the Bison captured a hard fought win over John Carroll, 3-2, before falling to 10th ranked Mount Union, 3-1.
Bethany jumped out to a two-set lead, winning the first set 25-23 and the second set 30-28. John Carroll then rallied winning the next two sets (27-25, 25-20). The Bison proved to be the better squad in set five, however, cinching the game with a 15-9 triumph.
Offensively, the Bison were led by sophomore Dakota McKenzie (Hopewell, Ohio /West Muskingum) and senior Lynsie Mandt (Columbus, Ohio/Worthington Kilbourne). McKenzie logged 21 kills, while Mandt added 13 more. Sophomores Dylana McKenzie (Hopewell, Ohio /West Muskingum) and Arielle Sanders (Maple Heights, Ohio/Maple Heights) and junior Mackenzie Lauber (Mansfield, Ohio /Madison Mansfield) also performed well, as McKenzie registered 11 kills and Sanders notched nine. Lauber was outstanding with 52 assists.
Leading the charge on the defensive side was junior Julia Mouch (Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview) and senior Kelly Becquet (Finleyville, Pa./Ringgold). Mouch amassed 36 digs, while Becquet chipped in with 13.
Game two saw the Bison take the third set against 10th ranked Mount Union, but ultimately fall in four sets (21-21, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23).
The super duo of the McKenzie twins were the leaders of the Bison offense. Dakota McKenzie racked up 21 kills, while Dylana recorded 11. Lauber also displayed her passing ability, picking up 46 assists.
Mouch and sophomore Haley Santymire (Clifton, Va. /Centreville) highlighted the Bison defense. Mouch tallied 18 digs and Santymire notched 15.
With the conclusion of the tournament, both Dylana McKenzie and Julia Mouch were named to the All-Tournament squad for their outstanding efforts.
The Bison will hit the court next on Friday, September 5, when they take part in the Transylvania Tournament. Their first game comes against Millikin College at 4 p.m.
