MVB Continues to Improve

HUMMEL FIELD HOUSE - The Bethany Bison hosted the Grove City Wolverines in a Presidents Athletic Conference matchup. It began as a back and forth battle, but Grove City was able to keep momentum through the back half of their sets to secure a 3-1 victory.

This was only the second time that Bethany competed in a game that went longer than three sets. The other time was during the Bison tri-meet in Hummel. They had the same fate against Buffalo State in a 3-1 loss.

The Bison played their most complete game of the season, tallying their highest kills, digs, and receptions of the season so far. 

Defensively, the entire team chipped in. Eight of 11 who saw playing time recorded a dig. Ironically, set four had the highest dig total with 13.

The Bison hit positive in the first three sets. A big tick in plays at the net is what drove them to win set two. There were three recorded blocks, with Rylan Trapp notching two assists.

The Bison jumped out to a 9-6 lead before Grove City rallied out of a timeout to flip the script. The Wolverines led 12-10, but couldn't completely shake the Bison off their tail. 

There were 11 tie scores and seven lead changes in the set. The most monumental being when Bethany was down 18-15 before going on a four point run to take the lead. The action remained close until the Bison secured the set victory 25-23.

Bethany's momentum faltered halfway through set three. They were never able to recover, dropping the next two sets to Grove City.

INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES:

• Riley Burdett had a heavy hand with 12 kills and two aces. He was responsible for over 40% of the Bison's offensive points. 

• The Bison had their highest totals in kills (31), digs (36), and receptions (78).

• Bethany had six total blocks. Xavier Cole and Trapp led the team with 1.5 blocks each. 

• Baylen Loosier had the most assists in any single game this season with 24.

The Bison will head on the road to play Hiram College this Saturday. That match is set to begin at 1 p.m.