ATLANTA – The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels opened Southern Athletic Association play Wednesday night with a 3-0 loss against the No. 13 Berry Vikings.

Ashlynn Stephens recorded 12 kills, Briella Kohler totaled 10, and Cate Rosenthal eight. Sofia Cendoya recorded 15 digs and Ellie Alfonso followed with 14. As a team, Oglethorpe recorded 41 kills compared to Berry's 42. The Petrels also tallied six blocks, three service aces and 46 digs.

Kohler began the first set with two kills, but Berry was quick to respond. The entire set was close, but Berry managed to gain a lead toward the end and closed out the first set at 25-21.

The second set began with a kill from Stephens, then became more tense than the first set. The Petrels and the Vikings were neck and neck, and Oglethorpe was the first to reach set point. However, Berry took the Petrels by surprise and a streak of kills tied the score at 24-24. Oglethorpe was unable to gain another point, and the Vikings won the set 26-24. 

The third and final set was a major battle for Oglethorpe, as the Vikings were able to get a six-point lead right off the bat. The Petrels were unable to recover, resulting in Berry handing Oglethorpe a 25-11 loss for the set and a 3-0 loss for the match.  

Match Notes 

• The Vikings are currently ranked No. 13 in NCAA Division III. 
• Berry also recorded three aces, and only two more digs than the Petrels. 
• Oglethorpe's overall record for the season is now 5-2. 

 Up Next

The Petrels will continue SAA play at Sewanee on Friday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. The next home match will be Saturday, Sept. 30, at 12 p.m. against Birmingham Southern.