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COLUMBUS – The Capital University volleyball team defeated Bluffton University 25-18, 26-24, 19-25, 25-23 Friday in its second of two matches played at the Ohio Athletic Conference-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Crossover at the Capital Center.

The Crusaders (10-7 overall) hit .317 in the third and final set to close out the Beavers, who nearly forced a fifth set after holding a 19-15 advantage deep into the fourth.

Capital won six of the next eight points to level the match at 21-21, and after Bluffton (6-8) took a 22-21 lead, the Crusaders tied the match and never trailed again in the frame.

Freshman outside hitter Hanna Ewart (Wichita, Kan.) registered two of her team-leading 15 kills on the final two points of the match to help Capital wrap things up. Sophomore right side hitter Olivia Arledge (Chillicothe, Ohio) added 10 kills, while freshman outside hitter Courtney McCracken (Newark, Ohio) poste eight kills, 10 digs and three blocks.

Sophomore setter Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) littered the box score with six kills, 24 assists, three service aces, 11 digs and three blocks.

Junior defensive specialist Kelly Leonard (Cincinnati, Ohio) paced a balanced defense with 13 digs. Sophomore libero Natalie Briggs (Pataskala, Ohio) contributed with 10. Freshman middle hitter Mona Ratliff (South Charleston, Ohio) netted a team-best six blocks, while Ewart and freshman middle hitter Kristin Bender (Fremont, Ohio) had five blocks apiece.

Against Mount St. Joseph (2-10), Capital fell behind early in the first two sets and was unable to recover. In the third, the Crusaders took three of the set's first four points, but the Lions quickly rallied, tying the match at 9-9 before taking a 15-10 advantage. Capital cut the deficit to 24-23 following a kill by McCracken, but Mount St. Joseph put away the set and match on the ensuing point.

McCracken led the offense with seven kills. Leonard paced the defense with 13 digs.

Sophomore setter Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) totaled 12 assists, 10 digs and three kills.

Capital resumes tournament play tomorrow against Hanover (Ind.) and Transylvania (Ky.) at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.