CANTON, Mo. — The (RV) Ottawa Braves showed resilience and firepower Friday night, rallying from a two-set deficit to defeat Culver-Stockton, 3-2 (20-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20, 15-9).
After dropping the first two sets, Ottawa flipped the match behind a balanced offensive attack and dominant late-set execution to secure the comeback victory.
Match Recap
Culver-Stockton came out aggressive, hitting .481 in the opening set and taking control early. Ottawa stayed within striking distance but couldn't overcome the Wildcats' efficient offense, falling 25-20.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with CSC capitalizing on errors and key runs late to take a 2-0 match lead at 25-21.
Ottawa responded in the third set with a spark off the bench and improved offensive efficiency. The Braves hit .273 in the frame and used a mid-set run to pull away for a 25-18 win.
In the fourth, Ottawa continued to apply pressure. The Braves controlled the tempo, limited errors, and evened the match with a 25-20 victory.
The decisive fifth set belonged to Ottawa from the midway point on. Clutch plays at the net and a strong service run helped the Braves close on a 7-1 stretch, sealing the comeback with a 15-9 win.
Stats Recap
By the Numbers
- Ottawa hit .636 in the fifth set, their most efficient stretch of the match.
- The Braves recorded four players with 9+ kills, showcasing offensive balance.
- Culver-Stockton was held to .000 hitting in both the third and fourth sets, a key turning point.
Who is Next
Ottawa (17-8, 10-6) returns to the court on Tuesday, March 31 at William Penn University. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.
