LAMONI, Iowa — Ottawa put together one of its most efficient offensive performances of the season on Saturday afternoon, sweeping Graceland in straight sets (25-17, 25-16, 25-14) inside the Morden Center.
The Braves controlled the match from start to finish, hitting an impressive .342 as a team while holding Graceland to just a .060 clip.
How It Happened
Set 1 – Ottawa 25, Graceland 17
Ottawa settled in after a brief back-and-forth start, breaking a 7-7 tie with a decisive run fueled by strong play at the net. Kills from
Marko Zolnjan and
Kadeem Morris, along with multiple block assists, helped the Braves build a comfortable lead. Ottawa closed the set on a 7-3 run, highlighted by defensive pressure and Graceland attack errors.
Set 2 – Ottawa 25, Graceland 16
The Braves took full control in the second set with their most efficient stretch of the match, hitting a blistering .652. Ottawa used a mid-set surge to turn a tight 10-10 contest into a double-digit advantage. Morris and
Petar Lazic led the offensive push, while
Horia Filpisan orchestrated the attack with precision from the setter position.
Set 3 – Ottawa 25, Graceland 14
Ottawa dominated early and never looked back in the final frame. A 7-2 opening run set the tone, including a service ace from
Derrick Hajka and multiple Graceland errors forced by Ottawa's pressure. The Braves continued to extend the lead behind consistent attacking and closed out the sweep with authority.
Stat Leaders (Ottawa)
By the Numbers
- Ottawa hit .342 as a team (35 kills, 8 errors, 79 attempts)
- The Braves recorded 34 assists on 35 kills
- Ottawa totaled 10 blocks compared to Graceland's 4
- Graceland was held to just .060 hitting with 21 errors
- Ottawa finished with 43 digs.
Who is Next
Ottawa (16-7, 10-5) returns to the court on Tuesday, March 24 in the Mabee Center against Grand View University. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
