ATLANTA—Ellie Alfonso made an impactful return with 10 kills to lead Oglethorpe in a 3-0 loss the Stormy Petrels suffered to No. 6 Emory Wednesday night at home. Oglethorpe led late in the first and third, ahead 24-21 in the last set even, but the crosstown Eagles took the match 25-19, 25-16, 26-24.

Behind Alfonso, four other Petrels were in the kill column, including Emma Williams whose match featured seven kills, seven assists, four digs and four assisted blocks. Gabbi Phillips earned nine assists, and Kylee Zimmer led with five digs. In fact, the Petrels posted another great blocking effort with 16 assisted blocks coming from six players.

Oglethorpe led the nationally ranked Eagles 19-18 in the opening set after three blocks and two kills helped the Petrels go on a 7-4 run late in the set. The lead would be short-lived, though, as the Eagles turned it around to finish on a 7-0 run.

In the third set, Oglethorpe used a 5-2 run to go ahead 24-21, but Emory rallied to win the next five and take the set on back-to-back kills to end the match.

Up next, Oglethorpe travels this weekend to Sewanee and Centre in a return to Southern Athletic Association play. The Petrels return home Saturday, Oct. 2, and Sunday, Oct. 3, for Rhodes and Hendrix.