COLUMBUS, Ohio - Homestanding Capital fell short in a non-conference matchup with NAIA power Shawnee State in three sets (23-25, 18-25, 18-25). With the loss, Capital falls to 2-3 while Shawnee State improved to 4-0 on the season.
After splitting four matches this past weekend at the Capital Volleyball Opener, coach Pam Briggs' Crusaders faced a formidable opponent in the Bears, who had just won a tournament they had hosted the previous weekend.
Spearheading the Bears' attack was Heather Koehler and Kim Rosen, who both tallied 11 kills. For the evening, the visitors notched 40 kills to Capital's 29.
The Crusaders took the Bears to the limit in the first set, but ultimately lost 25-23. After spotting the Bears five points to start the second set, Capital rallied back but could not get past Shawnee State, losing the set 25-18. The third set was even more competitive, as had the lead in several stretches and was tied with the Bears at 18 before falling 25-18.
Senior Allison Hostetler (Dalton, Ohio/Dalton HS) paced the team with six kills and three blocks, while classmate Sara Doebel (Clyde, Ohio/Clyde HS) added 14 digs. Fellow senior Jennifer Fekpe (Hilliard, Ohio/Hilliard Davidson HS) also contributed with five kills for the CU offense.
Capital also received solid play from several underclassmen, including Emily Heitmeyer (Ottawa, Ohio/Ottawa Glandorf HS), 4 kills, who teamed up with Hostetler in the front line on several occasions to form a productive duo. Freshmen Shannon Quinn (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg HS), four digs, and Leanne Schaefer (Verona, Wis./Verona HS), 5 kills, also gave Capital quality play.
The Crusaders will travel to Indiana to compete in the Hanover Invitational this weekend before returning home on September 15 to face Cedarville in a non-conference matchup.