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COLUMBUS – The Capital University volleyball team split two matches for the second time in as many days Saturday on the second day of the Ohio Athletic Conference-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Crossover Tournament at the Capital Center.

The Crusaders (11-8 overall) defeated Hanover (Ind.) 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-19 to start the day before falling against Transylvania (Ky.) 21-25, 25-14, 25-13, 25-20.

Following the conclusion of play, sophomore libero Natalie Briggs (Pataskala, Ohio) was named to the All-Tournament team after a fine defensive performance over the course of the two days of competition.

In the team's match against Hanover (5-9), the Crusaders recovered from a first-set loss to win three straight and take the match. Freshman outside hitter Courtney McCracken (Newark, Ohio) recorded 16 kills, 13 digs and four blocks. Sophomore right side hitter Olivia Arledge (Chillicothe, Ohio) posted 11 kills, while freshman middle hitter Mona Ratliff (South Charleston, Ohio) totaled 12 nine kills.

Briggs (Pataskala, Ohio) led the defense with 32 digs, while sophomore defensive specialist Becca DeWitt (Springfield, Ohio) added 12.

After nearly coming all the way back from an early deficit in the first set, Capital jumped out to an 11-6 advantage in the second and never trailed in the frame. The Crusaders rode the strong serving of Briggs and DeWitt in the set, staving off a late rally by the Panthers to even the match at 1-1.

The third set went back and forth until sophomore setter Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) served five straight winning points late for Capital to build a six-point lead. In the fourth, DeWitt's serve provided four straight points as the Crusaders led 11-6. Hanover took a lead briefly at 14-13, but Capital regained the advantage and held on for the victory.

Against Transylvania (11-7), the Crusaders took a back-and-forth opening set, winning 10 of the final 16 points in the frame. From there, the Pioneers jumped out to commanding leads early in each of the remaining sets and hung on for the four-set triumph.

McCracken, Ratliff and freshman outside hitter Hanna Ewart (Wichita, Kan.) paced the offense with seven kills apiece. Briggs and McCracken tallied 18 and 15 digs, respectively.

Mount St. Joseph was declared the winner of the tournament, winning all four of its matches against OAC opponents.

The Crusaders begin conference play next Saturday against Ohio Northern. First serve is slated for 12 p.m. on Homecoming Saturday at the Capital Center.