WICHITA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons (18-10, 3-7 KCAC) fell to the Ottawa University Braves (9-11, 6-4 KCAC) in four sets, with scores of 14-25, 12-25, 26-24, 10-25 tonight (Oct. 29) inside the Garvey Center. 

The Braves established early control in the first set, capitalizing on four service aces and a series of kills from Bailee Nickel and Hollie Peters to secure the win. 

Ottawa then capitalized on multiple attack errors and service aces to take control of the second set, outscoring Friends 25-12. Despite two kills from Grace McClintock, the Falcons struggled with consistency, committing several attack errors that allowed Ottawa to extend their lead. The Braves' Madison Brauner contributed significantly with a string of kills and service aces, particularly during a decisive stretch that saw them push the score to 15-5.

Friends forced a fourth set by winning the third 26-24, marked by a resilient performance. Gabbie Taylor led the charge with multiple kills, including pivotal points at 20-19 and 24-23, complemented by aces that kept the Falcons in contention. Key defensive plays, such as blocks from McClintock and Natalie Castillo, helped mitigate Ottawa's offensive threats, while service errors from the Braves provided crucial points. The set remained tightly contested, but the Falcons found a way to stay in the match. 

Ottawa then took immediate control of the fourth set with 11 of the first 12 points and finished the match 25-10. Ottawa's service aces, including two from Nakhai Biby, and consistent blocking, particularly from Campbell Stark, contributed to extending their advantage. Despite a brief rally by Friends, highlighted by a service ace and kills from Castillo and Jacey Moulton, the Braves maintained control to close it out. 

Taylor led the team's offensive charge with 11 kills and added four service aces. Sofia Mekelburg facilitated the offense with 10 assists while also recording 10 digs. Emma Sargeant collected 14 assists and added six digs. Moulton anchored the defense as libero, accumulating 12 digs over the course of the match.

Nickel led Ottawa with 16 kills and also recorded 14 digs. Brauner made an impact with four service aces and added 18 assists, while Campbell Stark recorded six blocks, including five solo. Madison Holcomb led the Braves with 21 assists and Brenna Diller had a team-leading 15 digs.

The Falcons will next host No. 6-ranked McPherson College in their final home match of the 2025 season Saturday night (Nov. 1) at 7 pm.