HUMMEL FIELD HOUSE. - The Bethany Bison hosted the Thiel Tomcats for their first ever Presidents Athletic Conference home match. It was set to be a big matchup as Bethany was riding high from the last time they played in Hummel and secured their first program win. Thiel was also building momentum coming off a solid 1-1 week where they defeated #13 Baldwin Wallace on the road. Ultimately, the Tomcats handled the Bison in three sets. 

Bethany continued to play better as the match went on. In the first set, a slow start saw the Bison trailing 12-4; a deficit that they were unable to overcome. 

Although the Bison hit negative in their first set, they rallied back to hit positive in the next two. Part of that came from better opportunities stemming from quality defensive plays. 

Bethany had nine total digs in the second set, their most of the month so far.  A large part of that defensive effort came from Cole Thomas at libero, saving six balls from hitting the floor. 

Still, the Tomcat offense proved to be too much. They took set two 25-12.

The final set saw the Bison improve the most offensively. They hit the best they have all game. McKay Ginez played his first set as he eases back into play due to injury. He had a pair of kills from the middle of the net. Riley Burdett was a very efficient 3-for-5 with a pair of digs. Gavin McAllister and Xavier Cole also chimed in with a kill.

INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES:

• Burdett led the team with eight kills. He also had an ace.

• Ginez hit .500 on the day.

• The Bison had one block in each set. McAllister had two block assists.

The Bison will try again in a week when they face Presidents Athletic Conference member Grove City. First serve is set for 6 p.m.