CEDARVILLE, OH — In a dramatic five-set showdown, Ohio Dominican (26-5) defeated host Cedarville (24-6) to secure its first-ever G-MAC volleyball title, 3-2 (25-23, 25-12, 20-25, 21-25, 15-10). The Panthers secured the tightly contested match after the Yellow Jackets fought back from an initial two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set.

The Panthers secured the tightly contested match after the Yellow Jackets fought back from an initial two-set deficit to force a decisive fifth set. Ohio Dominican came out firing, narrowly taking the competitive first set (25-23) before dominating the second set (25-12) to take a commanding 2-0 lead. Facing elimination, Cedarville rallied impressively, utilizing strong set performances in the third (25-20) and fourth (25-21) to tie the match and send the contest into the fifth-set tiebreaker. In the final frame, ODU fought back, outhitting the Yellow Jackets and ultimately pulling away for a 15-10 victory to seal the match.

Ohio Dominican (ODU) Leaders:

• Jenna Peters led the attack with a team-high 19 kills.

• She was supported by a strong showing from Ashley Aselage (15 kills) and Logan Rubel (14 kills).

• ODU utilized two primary setters: Saige Avery delivered 40 assists while also contributing 16 digs, and Gabrielle Kirker added 24 assists and five service aces.

• Defensively, the back row was anchored by Christen Tarter with 22 digs and Lauren Dinunzi with 20 digs.

Cedarville (CU) Leaders:

• Outside hitter Madelyn Hensley delivered a game-high 23 kills on a strong .356 hitting percentage, leading the charge for the Cedarville comeback.

• Setter Kaley Matney paced the offense with 51 assists.

• Defensively, Alivia Rutt was a digging machine, registering a game-best 25 digs.

• Cassi Shields was a force at the net, accumulating a team-high 5 blocks (0 solo, 5 assist) along with 11 kills.

Ohio Dominican will recieve an automatic bid to the NCAA Midwest Regional Tournament. The postseason bracket will be revealed Monday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. ET.