The Ottawa University women's volleyball team looks to continue its winning ways when the Braves travel to Leavenworth, Kan., to face the University of Saint Mary in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) action. Ottawa enters the match riding a seven-match winning streak and has won nine of its 11 conference matches.
The Braves enter the matchup with Saint Mary playing some of their best volleyball of the season. Ottawa has won seven straight matches, including five consecutive victories away from Wilson Field House. Ottawa extended its winning streak to seven with a 3-1 victory over Sterling College on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Braves have also earned recent victories over Evangel University (3-2), Kansas Wesleyan University (3-2), Bethany College (3-0), Southwestern College (3-1), York University (3-0), and Friends University (3-1).
The Braves are 9-2 in KCAC play and have been especially strong at home, posting a perfect 7-0 record. Ottawa is 4-3 in road matches this season. Ottawa is averaging 11.57 kills, 10.71 assists, 16.22 digs, and 2.46 blocks per set. The Braves are hitting .169 overall and have been even more efficient against conference opponents, hitting .188 while averaging 12.17 kills per set. One of Ottawa's biggest strengths has been its blocking. The Braves rank eighth nationally in the NAIA with 2.46 blocks per set and are averaging 2.55 blocks per set in KCAC competition.
Braves to Watch:
Bailee Nickel has been Ottawa's offensive leader this season, totaling a team-high 237 kills and averaging 3.08 kills per set. Nickel has also contributed 233 digs, 38 blocks, and 15 service aces. Her ability to contribute offensively and defensively has been an important part of Ottawa's success.
Campbell Stark has been a force at the net for the Braves. Stark is second on the team with 174 kills while leading Ottawa with a .311 hitting percentage. She has recorded a team-high 113 blocks, averaging 1.43 per set, helping anchor one of the top blocking units in the NAIA.
Kira Cherry has contributed 146 kills and is averaging 1.87 kills per set. Cherry has also recorded 56 blocks and is hitting .198 this season.
Ciara Gray has added 134 kills, averaging 2.03 per set, along with 26 blocks and a team-high 16 service aces among Ottawa's attackers.
Makela Martinez and
Madison Brauner have directed the Ottawa offense. Martinez leads the Braves with 372 assists, averaging 4.71 per set, while Brauner has recorded 364 assists, averaging 4.67 per set. Brauner also leads Ottawa with 22 service aces.
Carson Schuman has anchored the Braves' back row, leading the team with 343 digs and averaging 4.34 per set. Schuman has also contributed 58 assists and 17 service aces. Nickel follows with 233 digs, while Brauner has recorded 166.
Saint Mary enters the match with a 14-15 overall record and a 6-5 mark in KCAC play. The Spires have lost their last two matches, falling 3-1 to Evangel University on Oct. 28 and 3-0 to Bethel College on Oct. 31. Before those setbacks, Saint Mary had won three straight matches, defeating York University (3-0), Avila University (3-1), and Sterling College (3-0).
The Spires have been difficult to defeat at home, posting a 5-1 record. Saint Mary is 6-7 on the road and 3-7 in neutral-site matches. Saint Mary is averaging 10.63 kills, 9.81 assists, 16.16 digs, and 2.26 blocks per set. The Spires have a .146 hitting percentage and average 1.75 service aces per set. Like Ottawa, Saint Mary has been effective at the net. The Spires rank 17th nationally in the NAIA with 2.26 blocks per set.
Kaylee Kindall leads Saint Mary with 223 kills, averaging 2.35 per set, while hitting an impressive .322. Kindall also leads the Spires with 127 blocks, averaging 1.34 per set, and has recorded 23 service aces. Makenza Holly is second on the team with 154 kills and has contributed 77 blocks. Maddison Kruse has added 145 kills, while Saige Hadley has recorded 143 kills and 194 digs. Addison Baker directs the Saint Mary offense with 717 assists, averaging 6.96 per set. Baker also leads the Spires with 33 service aces and has collected 242 digs. Defensively, Dakotah Garcia leads Saint Mary with 312 digs, averaging 3.12 per set. Daniella Rivera-Perez follows with 291 digs, while Kathryn VanSkiver has recorded 168.
Series History: Ottawa leads the all-time series 47-15. Ottawa has won the last two meetings, including a 3-0 sweep of Saint Mary on Nov. 5, 2025, at Wilson Field House. The Braves earned the victory by scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-23. The teams also met on Nov. 6, 2024, with Ottawa earning a five-set victory at home. After dropping the opening set, the Braves rallied to win 14-25, 29-27, 18-25, 25-13, 15-7. Ottawa's last trip to Leavenworth came on Nov. 1, 2023, when Saint Mary earned a four-set victory, 25-13, 25-15, 23-25, 25-23. The Braves will look to earn their first road victory over the Spires since Sept. 27, 2022, when Ottawa swept Saint Mary, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16.
