Volleyball Falls to Denison University in North Coast Athletic Conference Home Match, 14-30, 31-33, 14-30

September 26, 2006 -- Despite a strong team effort, the Oberlin volleyball team came up short this evening against the Denison Big Red. The Yeowomen lost in three spirited games, 14-30, 31-33, and 14-30. Led by setter Deysi Villarreal, who tallied 14 kills, 17 digs, and 12 assists, Oberlin showed signs of brilliance on numerous occasions tonight at Philips Gymnasium, indicating that good things are in store for Head Coach Carey Cavanaugh's program.

Denison was led by Kristen Sheffield throughout the three games. The senior turned up her game in crucial moments and was a tough match for the Yeowomen. Oberlin played terrific defense for much of the night, though, and took an aggressive stand that rattled the Big Red for much of the match.

The night began with high energy as Oberlin took the first point off of a Villarreal kill. The junior battled against Sheffield in key points, often trading kills back and forth. Oberlin's best moment of the night came in a hard-fought second game. The Yeowomen played aggressively, but the play of Sheffield was a huge factor in allowing Denison to stay in the game. An ace by Villarreal gave Oberlin a 20-18 lead, and the two teams battled neck and neck all the way to the end. The Yeowomen had the Big Red on the ropes with a 30-29 game-point; however, two quick kills by Sheffield gave the visitors a win that proved to be the deciding factor in terms of momentum.

In the third game, Denison took advantage of solid all-around play to make things difficult for Oberlin from the beginning. The hosts showed a few sparks of a comeback in the finale, as well as flashes of brilliance in perfectly executed plays, but Denison's two-game lead proved to be too much for Oberlin to overcome.

First-year Tammela Platt had an impressive night for Oberlin, as she compiled a team-best 21 digs. For the season, Platt leads the Yeowomen with 263 digs. Villarreal's 14 kills increased her team-leading total to 116 on the year.

“Coming off of Saturday’s loss, where we played below our potential, I’m of course not completely happy," Cavanaugh said. "But, at least we bounced back and showed we can compete with these kinds of teams."

Cavanaugh and the Yeowomen now have a 3-10 overall record and an 0-6 mark in the NCAC. Next up for Oberlin will be an away match against Kenyon College on Friday, September 29. The NCAC showdown with the Ladies is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m.

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