FLORENCE, Ala.--Bellarmine's Abbie Oetting notched her 18th kill to close out the match and give the Knights volleyball team its second consecutive five-set win over the North Alabama Lions on Sunday evening in Flowers Arena.
 
After the Lions took the opening set 25-17, Bellarmine responded with a hard-fought 25-21 set two win and a convincing 25-15 victory in the third set. North Alabama came back to tie the best-of-five series with a 25-22 triumph in set four. In the deciding set, it was all Bellarmine as the Knights cruised to a 15-7 victory to claim the match.
 
Despite a relatively close match, Bellarmine held advantages in most statistical areas.  The Knights posted 68 kills to just 51 for North Alabama, and defensively Bellarmine out-dug the Lions 94-72. However, the hosts did enjoy 10-4 block advantage.
 
Oetting's 18 kills tied a career high and led the Knights in that department. Ashley Price also tied her career best with 15 kills while Abbie Stefanon added 13. Karleigh Wilson led Bellarmine in digs with 27 while Sam Rickert dished out 43 assists.
 
On the other side of the net, Libby Goodman led on kills with 14 while Katie Gerig posted a team-high 26 digs and Breylee Linder led North Alabama in assists with 27.
 
Bellarmine improves to 3-9 on the season and 2-5 on the road. The Knights also improve to 2-6 in ASUN Conference play.
 
Next up for the Bellarmine volleyball team is a two-match homestand at Knights Hall, where they face ASUN opponent Liberty at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 12, and 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. 
 
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