Drushal Becomes NCAC Career Digs Leader, Scots Post Come-from-Behind Victory

WOOSTER, Ohio - Allegheny College raced out and grabbed a two sets to one lead inside Timken Gymnasium Tuesday night in a North Coast Athletic Conference match against the College of Wooster volleyball team, but the Scots didn't allow that to happen, mounting a comeback and besting the Gators three sets to two by scores of 16-25, 25-17, 28-30, 25-18, 15-10. The five-set victory moves Wooster's record to 6-7 overall, including a perfect 3-0 mark at home, and 1-1 in the conference.

During Tuesday's action, Wooster senior libero Ali Drushal notched a season-high 45 digs, giving her 388 on the season and 2,697 for her career. With those 2,697 career digs, Drushal becomes the North Coast Athletic Conference's all-time leader in that category, surpassing Wittenberg University's Emilie Schmid's total of 2,690.

The first two sets were lopsided throughout, as each squad utilized big runs and eventually pulled away.

Set three saw Allegheny jump out to a quick 7-2 advantage, but the Scots answered with an 11-5 run of their own midway though the set, taking a slim one-point lead 15-14. With neither team holding more than a two-point bulge the remainder of the set, Allegheny trailed by a single point, 28-27. The Gators rattled off a 3-0 run and took the two sets to one lead.

During set four, the teams were deadlocked at 16-16 before Wooster used a quick 5-0 spurt, taking a 21-16 lead and eventually the set. The same scenario played out in the decisive set. With the Scots clinging to a one-point advantage, Drushal stepped behind the service line, and served four consecutive points for a 14-9 lead and a Wooster victory.

Junior KateLynn Riley aided the Wooster cause with a strong all-around performance, tallying 23 kills, two service aces, two block solos and three block assists. Seniors Megan Earle and Abbie Casey nailed down 16 and 11 kills, respectively, while Earle tallied a season-best 30 digs.

Helping out on the offensive side, freshman Lizzi Beal handed out 53 assists and racked up three kills of her own, while sophomore Amanda Gottesman and Drushal recorded two service aces apiece.

The Scots head back out on the road Friday when they travel to Richmond, Ind. to do battle with NCAC foe Earlham College (2-10, 0-0 NCAC). The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.