Ravens Volleyball Kicks Off 2025 Season with a Strong Opening Win
Match Summary
The Ravens Volleyball team launched their 2025 season with a home victory over the Tabor College Bluejays, succeeding in four sets (3-1). After dropping the initial frame, the Ravens displayed resilience and adaptability.
Set Breakdown
In the first set, the Ravens initially held a narrow lead. However, a late surge from Tabor saw them clinch the set 25-23 following a 3-1 scoring stretch that overcame the Ravens’ late comeback.
The second set marked a turnaround for the Ravens. They quickly established dominance, scoring 15 consecutive points after leading 10-8 to take the set decisively, 25-8. Isabella Franco contributed notably with three aces, supported by Jojo Vander Woude, Lucy Drexel, and Rayleen Gladden.
In the third set, the Ravens trailed early but rallied with an 8-0 scoring run to take control at 16-11. Despite a brief response from Tabor, the Ravens maintained pressure to win 25-21, with a critical point sealed by Drexel’s kill.
The final set brought additional drama. The Bluejays surged to a late 19-16 advantage; however, the Ravens executed a 4-0 run to reclaim the lead. A final kill by Drexel solidified their victory at 25-21.
Player Highlights
Drexel led the offensive efforts, recording 15 kills, with three other players—Audrey Franks (11 kills), Lainee Mustain, and Gladden (10 kills each)—contributing significantly. Vander Woude also added seven kills. The setter, Wren VanCleave, achieved an impressive 49 assists while also adding defensive capability with 12 digs.
Defensively, Mustain stood out with 19 digs, while Cibeles Bothwell (16 digs) and Franco (10 digs) also played crucial roles in maintaining clear defensive play.
The team excelled in serving, racking up a total of 10 aces, led by Franco with four and VanCleave with three.
Upcoming Matches
The Ravens are preparing for an exciting challenge next as they head to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College of St. Mary Labor Day Classic. They will face No. 5-ranked Eastern Oregon and No. 8-ranked IU Kokomo on Friday, August 29, followed by matches against No. 20 Midland and (RV) Dakota Wesleyan on August 30.
