John Carroll Box Score
Albion Box Score

COLUMBUS – The Capital University volleyball team convincingly won its first Ohio Athletic Conference match of the season Friday, defeating John Carroll 25-22, 25-11, 24-26, 25-21 on the first day of the two-day Capital University Tournament at the Capital Center.

The Crusaders (8-14 overall, 1-1 OAC) went on to defeat Albion 23-25, 25-17, 25-15, 25-18 in the nightcap.

Against John Carroll (6-12, 0-3), Capital carried momentum gained by a 9-1 run near the end of the first set into the second, when it jumped out to a 20-5 advantage en route to the win. Sophomore Kelly Leonard's serve helped the Crusaders cruise to victory in the first,  while freshmen Natalie Briggs (Pataskala, Ohio), Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) and senior Shannon Quinn (Miamisburg, Ohio) each enjoyed serving runs in the second.

The Blue Streaks won four straight and six of the last seven points in the third to cut their deficit in half, but Capital recovered in the fourth, winning seven of the last eight points on its way to the match.

Freshman Olivia Arledge (Frankfort, Ohio) led the offense with 14 kills and five blocks, while sophomore Melissa Verhoff (Ottawa, Ohio) tallied 11 kills and five digs. Quinn and sophomore Marissa Price (Tiffin, Ohio) led the defense with 27 and 16 digs, respectively. Price and Weilbacher combined for 33 assists.

In the match against the Britons (2-13), the Crusaders shrugged off a slow start to win their second contest of the night. 

Senior Leanne Schaefer (Verona, Wis.) totaled 15 kills and seven blocks, while Price and Verhoff each contributed with 12. Five players finished in double-figures in digs, including Quinn, who had a match-high 33.

Capital resumes action at the Capital Center tomorrow against Alma (Mich.) at 9 a.m. and Allegheny (Pa.) at 11 a.m.