GREENVILLE, Pa. -- The Thiel women's volleyball team picked up two victories in its first home tri-meet of the season. The Tomcats defeated Washington & Jefferson (1-3; 0-2 PAC) in its first game in five sets (23-25, 25-21, 25-13, 21-25, 15-13), and picked up a win over Bethany College (7-1; 1-1 PAC) in three sets (25-17, 25-16, 28-26).

In match one, the Tomcats were put to the test as the Presidents of Washington & Jefferson were able to take the first set 25-23. The Tomcats took sets two and three but W&J pushed Thiel to a game five. Thiel won the last set and the match with a 15-13 decision. Senior Madison Chylik (Valley View, Ohio, Cuyahoga Heights) led the team with 44 assists and sophomore Kelly Barzak (Warren, Ohio, Howland) led the offensive charge with 18 kills in the match. The defense was also stout for the Tomcats as they registered 15 team blocks and senior Stephanie Shipley (Mentor, Ohio, Mentor) recorded 38 digs

The second match saw more success for the Blue and Gold as they took on undefeated Bethany College. The Tomcats were able to take the first two sets by large margins and also won set three to take the match in straight sets over the Bison.

"In that first set against Bethany, our team really started clicking," head coach Steve Brewer said. "Today was a great example of what our team can do when everyone is on the same page."

Once again, Chylik led the team in assists as she put up 33 to expand her all-time Thiel College assist record to 3,070. Shipley led the team in digs with 17 and junior Megan Kay (Girard, Ohio, Liberty) and sophomore Megg Andrews (Canfield, Ohio, Canfield) combined for 22 kills to give Bethany its first loss of the season.

The Tomcats are in action again on September 18, when they travel to Pittsburgh for a tri-match with Chatham and Thomas More.

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