JACKSON, Miss. - The Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels closed out a three-match weekend on a high note, earning back-to-back sweeps Saturday to finish 2-1 at the weekend tournament in Jackson. After opening the weekend with a 3-0 loss to LeTourneau University on Friday evening, Oglethorpe responded with a dominant sweep of Principia College Saturday morning before carrying that momentum into the afternoon with another 3-0 victory over Centenary College of Louisiana.
The Petrels showed their ability to respond after adversity, combining strong serving, balanced offensive production and steady defensive play throughout Saturday's two victories. Oglethorpe's serving pressure was especially effective against Principia, while the Petrels relied on a more balanced attack and timely defensive plays to close out the weekend against Centenary.
The two sweeps gave Oglethorpe a strong finish to the weekend and provided plenty of momentum heading into its next stretch of matches.
Game One: LeTourneau 3, Oglethorpe 0
Oglethorpe opened the weekend Friday evening against LeTourneau University, falling 3-0 by set scores of 25-19, 25-20 and 25-12. The Petrels remained competitive through the opening two sets, with the first set staying within reach before LeTourneau pulled away late. Oglethorpe again battled in the second set, but LeTourneau was able to create separation down the stretch and take a 2-0 advantage into the break.
Jane Pennington led the Petrels offensively with eight kills, providing a consistent presence at the net throughout the match. Aubrey Hill and Sarah Johnson each contributed five kills, while Lauryn Frazier and Ava Adams helped distribute the offense with 12 assists apiece. Defensively, Abby Wheeler paced Oglethorpe with 11 digs, helping keep rallies alive against the LeTourneau attack. Adrianne Ryan added two service aces as the Petrels looked to create pressure from behind the service line.
LeTourneau controlled the third set to complete the sweep, but Oglethorpe had little time to dwell on the result with two matches awaiting the Petrels on Saturday.
Game Two: Oglethorpe 3, Principia 0
Oglethorpe responded Saturday morning with an emphatic performance, sweeping Principia College 3-0 by scores of 25-7, 25-10 and 25-9. From the opening serve, the Petrels established control of the match. Oglethorpe's serving pressure created problems for Principia throughout all three sets, with the Petrels recording an impressive 19 service aces.
Ryan led the serving attack with eight aces, accounting for nearly half of Oglethorpe's total. Frazier added four aces, while Wheeler contributed three as the Petrels consistently put pressure on Principia's serve receive. The strong serving performance was matched by an efficient offensive attack. Sofia Swicegood led Oglethorpe with six kills, while Pennington added five and Hill finished with four. The Petrels totaled 35 kills and 30 assists during the three-set victory.
Frazier helped keep the offense moving with 17 assists while also contributing seven digs. Oglethorpe's ability to combine its offensive production with pressure from the service line allowed the Petrels to maintain control throughout the match. The Petrels also limited Principia to just 12 kills and a .000 hitting percentage. Oglethorpe's defense and serving pressure prevented Principia from finding a rhythm, allowing the Petrels to build large leads in each set.
After dropping their opening match of the weekend, Oglethorpe answered with one of its most dominant performances of the weekend, setting the stage for an afternoon matchup against Centenary.
Game Three: Oglethorpe 3, Centenary 0
Oglethorpe carried its momentum into Saturday afternoon, closing out the weekend with another sweep over Centenary College of Louisiana. The Petrels defeated Centenary 3-0 by set scores of 25-17, 25-21 and 25-23 to secure their second consecutive victory. Unlike the morning's dominant performance, the final match of the weekend featured a closer battle, particularly in the final two sets. Oglethorpe established control early in the first set before Centenary kept the second and third sets within striking distance.
Pennington led the Petrels' offensive attack with 10 kills, reaching double figures for the match. Madison Thompson followed closely behind with nine kills, while Mandy Karavite added five as Oglethorpe spread its production across multiple hitters. Frazier again directed the offense, recording 15 assists, while Adams added 13 assists. Together, the two setters helped Oglethorpe produce 38 kills in the three-set victory.
Wheeler anchored the defensive effort with 14 digs, while Ryan added seven. The Petrels also continued to create pressure from the service line, with Ryan recording four aces, Adams adding three and Wheeler contributing two. At the net, Thompson and Hill each recorded two blocks as Oglethorpe worked to limit Centenary's offensive opportunities.
Centenary pushed back in the final set, but Oglethorpe held on to a 25-23 victory to complete the sweep and finish the weekend with consecutive wins. The result capped a strong turnaround for the Petrels. After being swept Friday night, Oglethorpe answered with two straight sweeps Saturday, finishing the weekend 2-1 and demonstrating its ability to make adjustments and respond with strong performances on the second day of competition. The Petrels' weekend was highlighted by a dominant serving performance, balanced offensive contributions and consistent play from both sides of the net. With 19 aces against Principia and 38 kills against Centenary, Oglethorpe showed multiple ways it could control a match and close out victories.
Game Notes
- Oglethorpe finished the weekend with a 2-1 record, including two consecutive 3-0 victories Saturday.
- The Petrels recorded 19 service aces in the sweep over Principia.
- Adrianne Ryan led Oglethorpe with eight aces against Principia and added four more against Centenary.
- Lauryn Frazier recorded 17 assists against Principia and 15 against Centenary.
- Abby Wheeler led the Petrels with 14 digs against Centenary.
- Jane Pennington recorded 10 kills against Centenary, leading Oglethorpe's offense.
- Oglethorpe held Principia to 12 kills and a .000 hitting percentage.
- Oglethorpe finished the weekend with back-to-back sweeps after opening the tournament with a 3-0 loss to LeTourneau.
Up Next
The Stormy Petrels return to action Wednesday, Sept. 16, traveling to Demorest, Georgia, to take on Piedmont University at 8 p.m.
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