Bessler, Musketeers Upend DePaul in Four Sets

Friday, November 18

Cincinnati, Ohio

7 p.m.

Xavier University

18-12, 12-5BIG EAST

DePaul

13-16, 7-10BIG EAST

DePaul

Xavier

Bessler, Musketeers Upend DePaul in Four Sets

11.18.16 | Volleyball

Box Score Season Stats (PDF)Box Score (PDF)

Xavier has now won 10 of its last 12 matches

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

CINCINNATI - Senior Abbey Bessler posted a team-high 13 kills to lead a balanced offensive attack as Xavier volleyball defeated DePaul in four sets (25-18, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19) on Friday night.

The Musketeers (18-12, 12-5 BIG EAST) have now won 10 of their last 12 matches. DePaul moved to 13-16 (7-10 BIG EAST) following the loss.

MATCH NOTES

• Four Musketeers had seven or more kills, paced by senior Abbey Bessler who had 13. Classmates Sofia Peterson and Brooke Betts combined for 17 kills, while Morgan Finn had seven.

• Xavier held a 13-11 advantage in total team blocks. Alexis Newsome had a match-high nine blocks, while Morgan Finn added four.

• Meredith Klare had a match-high 18 digs and two of Xavier's four service aces. Samantha Foti added nine digs and one ace.

• McKena Estes had 23 assists and eight digs. Fellow setter Mackenzi Humm chipped in 24 assists and seven digs.

• Xavier moved to 15-5 in the all-time series with DePaul. The Musketeers have won 10 of the last 11 meetings between the two schools.

SET ONE

• Xavier led from start to finish in the opening frame, eventually leading by as many as 10 (22-12) late in the set. Sofia Peterson led the Musketeers with four kills and a .571 hitting percentage.

SET TWO

• The second set had five ties and one lead change. DePaul led by as many as eight (21-13) before the Musketeers battled back to get within three (24-21). Caitlyn Coffey posted a kill on the final point of the set to even the match at one.

SET THREE

• Trailing 12-10, the Musketeers scored eight straight points to take an 18-12 lead they would never relinquish. Xavier scored seven of the final 14 points to take a 2-1 lead over the Blue Demons.

• Sofia Peterson had four kills, while Morgan Finn and Alexis Newsome both added three. Xavier also held a 6-3 advantage in total team blocks in the set.

SET FOUR

• Tied at 14, Xavier used a 6-3 run to take a 20-17 lead. The Musketeers closed the match on a 5-2 run to win the match and take the season series with DePaul.

• Abbey Bessler had six of her 13 kills in the final set. The outside hitter also posted a .400 attack percentage.

UP NEXT

• Xavier closes out regular-season action on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. against Marquette. The Musketeers will recognize its senior class of Abbey Bessler, Brooke Betts and Sofia Peterson prior to the start of the match.