News

Oregon Tech Bounced by Westminster in Season Opener

08.17.2012

Aurora Penoyar (6) and Allison Cook (10) go up for a block. (photo by Kelly Caleb)

ASHLAND, Ore. – The Oregon Tech volleyball team opened the 2012 campaign with a three set loss to Westminster University, 3-0 (25-14, 26-24, 25-21) this morning at the Paul Elliott Invitational hosted by Southern Oregon University.

Trailing 5-4 to open set 1, Tech never recovered from a WU 12-2 run, dropping the opener 25-14.

Set 2 was all Oregon Tech from the start, as the Owls opened up to a 7-0 advantage. Tech continued to hold a seven point lead at 17-10, eventually getting to set point, 24-19. WU, however, converted seven straight points of their own to fight back and take set 2 by a 26-24 final.

After both teams battled to nine ties in set 3, the last at 21-21, Westminster would close out the match with a four point run to earn a 25-21 victory.

Oregon Tech was led offensively by junior Aurora Penoyar with 8 kills, while the middle hitter assisted on 4 blocks. Kristen Walters followed with 6 kills with setter Kayleigh Whelchel adding 15 assists. Marie Baumann collected 15 digs to anchor the Tech defense, while freshman Kara Young added 10 digs, 3 aces and 3 kills for the Owls in the loss.

Oregon Tech will face Viterbo University, Wis. in match 2 of the day this evening at 6 p.m.

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