Marian University men’s volleyball (1-0, 0-0 NACC) defeated Olivet to open up its 2024 campaign in four sets 25-11, 21-25, 25-21, 25-20.
- Marian jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead before Olivet brought the score within one at 5-4.
- The Sabres were able to get out to a commanding 15-6 lead behind a 10-2 run.
- Marian kept its foot on the gas and would not let Olivet gain any traction with a 10-5 run to close out set one.
- The two teams would trade points at the beginning of set two with an even draw at 7-7 and 9-9.
- Olivet would take its first lead of the evening behind a 5-1 run to force a Sabre timeout at 14-10.
- Marian gained some momentum but the Comets were able to withstand the Sabres short 4-3 run with a slim 8-7 advantage to take set two.
- Set three saw much of the same as set two with both teams trading points with Marian holding the slight 8-6 advantage.
- The back and fourth trend continued with an even score of 12-12 before the Sabres forced an Olivet timeout behind a 5-1 run.
- The Comets would make things interesting by bringing the set to within one behind a 7-3 run but the Sabres held on to take set three.
- It was Olivet in the fourth set who would jump out to a quick lead behind a 5-2 run and would hold the lead until the Sabres jumped out in front at 12-11.
- The Sabres used an 8-4 run to extend its lead to five at 20-15 which proved to be the deciding number with Marian closing out the set and the match 25-20.
- Both offenses had a strong day as Olivet held the 43-38 advantage in kills but the Sabres were more efficient with a .234 hitting percentage to the Comets .132.
- The Sabre defense was strong as Marian held the 8-6 advantage in blocks and 39-36 advantage in digs.
- Marian also held the advantage in aces 5-3 and forced 28 Olivet attacking errors.
