LINCOLN, Nebraska (November 14, 2024) – Nebraska Wesleyan Volleyball's 2024 season came to a close with a 3-1 loss to the University of Dubuque in the A-R-C Semifinals at Stoltz Sports Center. Despite a strong fight, the Prairie Wolves were edged out by the Spartans, concluding NWU's impressive season with a 21-9 overall record and 5-3 in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Set 1: The Prairie Wolves opened the semifinal match with intensity, yet Dubuque managed to pull ahead in the later stages, clinching the set 25-21. Kobie Patten led NWU's offense with four kills, supported by setter Elecea Saathoff's 12 assists, while Addie Thomas contributed five digs. Despite Nebraska Wesleyan's efforts, Dubuque's balanced attack ultimately proved too much to overcome in the opener.
Set 2: The second set was a nail-biter, with both teams matching each other point-for-point. The Prairie Wolves got out to a 20-12 lead, but the Spartans came surging back. NWU and Dubuque exchanged leads three times in the 20s, and neither side was able to break away. In a tight 28-26 finish, Dubuque claimed the set, despite a powerful offensive push from NWU, including six kills by Aliah clarke and a steady passing game led by Holle.
Set 3: Refusing to back down, the Prairie Wolves showed resilience in the third set, taking a 25-23 victory to keep their hopes alive. Strong attacks by Thomas and well-timed contributions from Kobie Patten allowed NWU to outpace Dubuque. Saathoff's consistent setting and a defensive effort that included key blocks by Aliah Clarke and Ella Foote kept the Prairie Wolves in control to secure the set.
Set 4: The final set saw NWU battling until the end, but Dubuque closed out the match with a 25-23 win. Molly Ramirez made a big impact in the fifth, tallying five kills, while freshman Grayson Piening and Ella Foote made crucial defensive stops. Despite the Prairie Wolves' persistence, Dubuque's offense ultimately prevailed, ending NWU's postseason journey.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Addie Thomas (OH): 11 kills, .071 hitting %, 23 digs
- Kobie Patten (OH): 15 kills, .055 hitting %, 12 digs, 3 service aces
- Molly Ramirez (RS): 9 kills, .172 hitting %, 1 block
- Raegan Holle (L): 23 digs, 3 assists
- Elecea Saathoff (S): 47 assists, 11 digs
- Aliah Clarke (MB): 10 kills, .148 hitting %, 4 blocks
- Ella Foote (MB): 6 kills, .122 hitting %, 1 block
- Grayson Piening (DS): 15 digs
TEAM STATS:
- Nebraska Wesleyan: 52 kills, 34 errors, 190 total attempts, .095 hitting %, 51 assists, 7 service aces, 7 blocks, 103 digs
- Dubuque: 49 kills, 28 errors, 192 total attempts, .105 hitting %, 45 assists, 7 service aces, 10 blocks, 93 digs
The Prairie Wolves wrap up a remarkable season filled with memorable performances and strong individual achievements. Nebraska Wesleyan's volleyball team now looks forward to building on this season's success for the future.
