ATLANTA - The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels managed to win one set and nearly took two others over one of the top teams in the nation, the Southwestern Pirates, but fell 3-1 at home.

Camdyn George led with a career high 15 kills plus 10 digs. Abby Wheeler made 22 digs and two aces. Autumn Lilly put up a career high five blocks, as Ella Hughes and Madison Williams had four each.

Southwestern began the first set with the clear advantage, charging to a 13-6 lead. Ashlynn Stephens and Aubrey Hill made kills in a 7-0 run to tie the score, but Southwestern would remain at an arm's length for the rest of the set. The score tied again briefly at 24-24 with an ace from Alise Mayers and another kill from Stephens, but Southwestern plowed forward with a 26-24 win. 

Hill made the first kill of the second set, and the Petrels amassed an 11-3 lead. This ultimately gave Oglethorpe the edge they needed to win a set, as the Pirates were never able to catch back up. The Petrels stole set two 25-22.

Continuing the energy, Oglethorpe opened the third set with six unanswered points. The Pirates eventually got on the board, but were slow to catch up. Southwestern ultimately surpassed the Petrels, winning the third set 25-20 to tip the game back in their favor.

The fourth and final set seemed as if it was also going to Oglethorpe, as the Petrels reached a 21-18 lead thanks to kills from Williams, Hill, Stephens, George and Hughes. Once Oglethorpe hit 22 points, the Pirates seemed to regain their energy and confidence. Southwestern came back with a 6-1 run to win the set 25-23 and cement the match.

Match Notes

• Mayers made three aces.
• Hill made a season high of nine digs.
• Oglethorpe made 41 kills compared to Southwestern's 49.
• Both teams made nine aces and eight blocks.
• The Petrels made 69 digs over the Pirates' 61.
• Southwestern is currently receiving votes in the NCAA top 25 poll.

Up Next

The Stormy Petrels stay home Sunday, Oc.t 19, to host No. 10 Trinity at 10:30 a.m. then Piedmont at 12:30 p.m. The Petrels will also be at home on Friday, Oct. 24, against Belhaven and Tuesday, Oct. 28, against No. 14 Berry.