WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Wilmington College volleyball teams opens its 2018 home slate on Wednesday evening when Franklin College comes to Hermann Court for a 7 p.m. match at Fred Raizk Arena.
The Teams: Wilmington and Franklin. The Fightin' Quakers enter the match 0-2 on the season and looking for their first victory after a pair of straight-set loss at Mount St. Joseph University on Saturday. Likewise, the Grizzles are also in search of their first win after finishing the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Invitational 0-4.
The Coaches: Tim O'Brien enters his fourth year as Wilmington's head volleyball coach. He has improved the Quakers' wins total each of his first three seasons and is looking to break through in the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) this season. A 2012 graduate of Siena Heights University, O'Brien was a four-year letter-winner for the Saints' men's volleyball team and ranks in seven career and seasonal program records. Mary Johnston is in her ninth season as Franklin's head volleyball coach.
The Players: Jillian Wesco leads Wilmington in kills (9), kills per set (1.50), digs (26), digs per set (4.33) and service aces (6) through two matches this season. Jacie Koontz and Grace Ewing have split the setting duties thus far and racked up 33 combined assists. Kyra Harvey has been Franklin's top offensive threat in 2018 as she averages 3.14 kills per set. Mackenzie Waldran and Allison Thompson have combined for 92 assists for the Grizzles while Libby Stahl has 56 digs to lead the back row.
Series History: Wilmington is 3-8 against Franklin since joining the OAC prior to the 2000 season. The Grizzlies have won the previous eight matchups including a 3-0 sweep last season. For more information on the series history, visit the link above.
Coverage: Live statistics of both matches will be available – visit the links above.
Social Media: Follow Wilmington athletics on social media! The Fightin' Quakers have a presence on Facebook (Wilmington College Athletics) as well as Twitter and Instagram (@DubCQuakers).
Up Next: Wilmington is scheduled to play four matches at Earlham College this week as part of the 2018 Quaker Classic.
