DEM?REST, Ga. – The Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels battled Piedmont University on Wednesday night but ultimately fell 3-0. The Petrels dropped the three sets by scores of 25-20, 25-14 and 25-19, moving to 4-4 overall on the season.
Oglethorpe showed offensive flashes throughout the match, finishing with 25 kills and 24 assists. The Petrels also recorded four service aces and 19 digs against a Piedmont squad that finished with 36 kills, 32 assists and 31 digs.
Jane Pennington led the Stormy Petrels offensively with eight kills on 18 attacks, hitting .333 for the match. Madison Thompson followed with four kills, while Toki Ingram and Callie Simmons each contributed three. Mandy Karavite also made an impact off the bench, recording two kills on three attacks for an impressive .667 hitting percentage.
At the setter position, Lauryn Frazier paced Oglethorpe with 12 assists, while Ava Adams added nine. Frazier also contributed five digs and a service ace, helping facilitate the Petrels' offensive attack throughout the three sets.
Adrianne Ryan led Oglethorpe from the service line with two aces, while Abby Wheeler and Frazier each added one. Wheeler also led the defensive effort with six digs, followed by Frazier with five and Adams with four.
The opening set featured an early exchange of points as Oglethorpe worked to keep pace with the Lions. After falling behind early, the Petrels found opportunities to generate momentum through their attack and serving game. Frazier recorded a service ace, while Ingram and Pennington contributed kills as Oglethorpe looked to close the gap.
Piedmont created separation midway through the set, but the Petrels continued to compete down the stretch. Oglethorpe put together a late push, highlighted by kills from Pennington, Simmons and Karavite, along with a service ace from Ryan. The Stormy Petrels worked to narrow the deficit before Piedmont closed out the opening set, 25-20.
Piedmont carried its momentum into the second set, establishing an early lead and maintaining pressure on the Oglethorpe offense. The Petrels recorded five kills in the frame but faced challenges finding consistency at the net.
Despite the difficult stretch, Oglethorpe continued to work for opportunities offensively. Pennington and Simmons each contributed kills, while Thompson added to the attack. The Petrels also received contributions from Frazier and Adams in the setting game as they looked to establish a rhythm. Piedmont ultimately secured the second set, 25-14, taking a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The Stormy Petrels responded in the third set with a more productive offensive effort, recording 10 kills and hitting .250. Oglethorpe continued to battle throughout the frame, looking to extend the match and force a fourth set.
Pennington remained a consistent presence offensively, while Thompson, Ingram and Simmons helped contribute to the Petrels' attack. Frazier and Adams continued to distribute the ball, combining for 21 assists over the course of the match.
Oglethorpe continued to compete as the set progressed, but Piedmont's offense proved difficult to contain. The Lions recorded 17 kills in the third set and hit .345, helping them maintain control and close out the match with a 25-19 set victory.
Despite the setback, the Petrels will have little time to dwell on Wednesday's result as they turn their attention to the start of Southern Athletic Association (SAA) competition. Oglethorpe will look to carry the lessons from its nonconference schedule into its first conference matchup of the season.
Game Notes
- Pennington led the Stormy Petrels with eight kills and a .333 hitting percentage.
- Frazier recorded a team-high 12 assists and five digs while adding one service ace.
- Adams contributed nine assists and four digs.
- Ryan led Oglethorpe with two service aces.
- Karavite recorded two kills on three attacks, finishing with a .667 hitting percentage.
- Oglethorpe recorded 25 kills, 24 assists and four service aces.
- The Petrels hit .250 in the third set, recording 10 kills as they continued to battle against the Lions.
Up Next
The Stormy Petrels will travel to Rome, Georgia, on Friday, Sept. 18, to take on Berry College at 11:30 a.m. The matchup will mark Oglethorpe's first SAA match of the 2026 season as the Petrels begin their conference schedule.
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