FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Wesleyan Volleyball team battled back from one set down to win the next three and the match 3-1 (18-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20) against Ottawa University on Tuesday in the Sid Richardson Center.
 
"Today was a great team win," said head coach Jessica Ransom. "OUAZ is very competitive with heavy hitters and phenomenal defense. I am proud of the adjustments we made which allowed us to stay in the game."
 
Several Rams set season highs during the match. Nyia Anderson got her first double-double of the season on 11 kills and 10 digs. Veronika Webb recorded a season best 13 kills. Also with a season high was Ashley Curry with 22 digs and Morgan Burns with 35 assists. Sydney Charlton and Bailey Foy rounded out with a season best 6 total blocks.
 
OUAZ was led by Kate Pestova and Avie Butsko, each posting 13 kills.
 
While the Rams fell 25-18 in the first set, Ransom said her team proved their perseverance. 
 
"It's tough to go down the first set. You have 1 of 2 options: roll over or step up, and we found a way to step up. It was great to see them fight for every point."
 
Out of a 4-4 tie in set two, TXWES rambled for an 8-point run, but OUAZ matched them with a 8-1 run of their own. The Rams held a narrow lead, then at 20-19, TXWES crept away posting a kill each from Foy and Burns finished by a Burns block. After another trade of points, Webb ended the set with a kill for the 25-21 win.
 
The third set was tightly contested 15 lead changes. OUAZ had a 18-17 edge, but the Rams rattled off 7 straight points for the 25-17 victory.
 
With momentum on their side, the Rams allowed OUAZ just two one-point leads. At 19-18 TXWES advantage, the Rams kept their lead and went on to win the set 25-20 and match 3-1.
 
TXWES advances to 6-1 overall and OUAZ drops to 1-1.
 
Next, the Rams will start SAC play at Oklahoma City at 6 pm on Feb. 22.
 
Ransom said, "We still have a lot of work to do before we begin conference. We will watch film, take notes and get back in the gym."