ATHENS, W. Va. -- The Davis & Elkins College volleyball team had a strong showing at the Carter Center on Saturday, taking down Bluefield State University and Virginia State University in two thrilling five-set battles. The Senators demonstrated their improved resilience and determination, winning each match 3-2 to close out the Concord Classic tournament.
"Going into the second day of play the team really showed the grit and determination that we have been working towards to play two more five-set matches and earn two more wins, " said first-year Head Coach Julie Danner. "There were many great plays that happened this weekend to keep the ball alive on our side, from our Libero (
Maddie Edicola #22), Defensive Specialist (
Taylor Demankowski #10), and from the team as a whole."
In their first match of the day against Bluefield State, the Senators emerged victorious with a 3-2 win, securing the final set with a score of 15-12. D&E claimed sets one, two, and five, with final scores of 25-23, 25-23, and 15-12.
Reanne DeBose led the charge with a dominant offensive performance, recording a career-high 23 kills while hitting .286. Setter Haylie Marumoto orchestrated the offense with a double-double including a career-high 54 assists and 13 digs, making key plays throughout the match.
D&E's defense played a critical role, with Maddie Edicola leading the effort with 21 digs, a career-high, while Clara Caralt added 9 digs and chipped in with 11 kills. The Senators combined for 81 total digs and 13 service aces, keeping the pressure on Bluefield State.
Despite a push from BSU, who took the third and fourth sets, D&E showed their mettle, holding on in the decisive fifth set to secure the victory.
In game two, the Senators claimed the win over VSU with set scores of 14-25, 29-27, 25-16, 20-25, and 16-14.
Clara Caralt set a career-high and led the Senators with 14 kills, hitting an impressive .387. Reanne DeBose added 13 kills, while Setter Haylie Marumoto was instrumental in orchestrating the offense, recording 45 assists and contributing 12 digs. Melisa Ozsar also played a significant role with 11 kills and three blocks.
"Creating some pace on our offense ran by Haylie Marumoto and big swings from Clara Caralt and Reanne Debose who were the outsides, along with Melisa Ozsar our rightside complimented the great defensive ups. In turn, this made our opponent create chaos and frustration on their side. I am overall very proud and excited to get our conference season started," said Danner.
On defense, the Senators totaled 63 digs, led by Maddie Edicola with 15. Caralt and Gracjana Rozanska were key players in keeping the ball alive for D&E, helping secure the narrow fifth-set win. The Senators' 10 service aces were crucial in maintaining pressure on Virginia State throughout the match.
Both Reanne DeBose and Haylie Marumoto were named to the All-Tournament team for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
The Senators move to 3-4 on the season thus far, and open conference play September 26 at Point Park University.
Up Next
The Senators non-conference road campaign continues, as they take on opponent Salem University at 7:00 p.m. on September 24 in Salem, W. Va..
