WAXAHACHIE, Texas - The Ave Maria University volleyball could not reverse their fortunes Saturday, falling twice in their final two matches of the weekend in the Lone Star State. Both of Ave Maria's defeats were of the 3-0 variety, falling in straight sets to Nelson University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. The losses dropped the Gyrenes to 0-7 on the season, with one non-conference match next week before the start of Sun Conference play next Saturday.

Ave Maria nearly rallied for a first set win in the opening match of the day, trimming a 20-12 lead from host Nelson University down to two points on four occasions at 20-18, 21-19, 22-20, and 24-22. However, the Gyrenes were able to get no closer, eventually falling 25-22. That first set would prove to be Ave Maria's best chance against Nelson, with the hosts claiming wins of 25-7 and 25-17 in the final two sets to claim the match. 

AMU's most effective attacker in the opener was freshman Greta Heiney, who logged seven kills and a team-high .263 attack percentage. Ryan Getz handled the setting duties throughout the match, averaging eight assists per set with 24 on the afternoon. Ines Lopes was in double digits defensively with ten digs, with Emily Child coming in just behind her at nine digs.

The second match of the day followed a similar script for Ave Maria, with the Gyrenes having a chance to win one set of the three played. Against Oklahoma Wesleyan, that set was the third, with AMU facing a sweep after defeats of 25-6 and 25-13. In that third set, the Gyrenes trailed 22-17, but ripped off five of the next six points, cutting the OKWU lead to 23-22 on a Ryan Getz kill. However, Oklahoma Wesleyan sealed the match with back-to-back points, winning 25-22.

Beatriz Rissi was AMU's top attacker in the nightcap, logging seven kills, while Getz and Elle Malczewski followed with six. Setting duties were split between Getz and Caroline Myers, who combined for 22 assists - 12 for Getz and ten for Myers. For the second match in a row, Lopes was the top backline player, ending the match with 13 of Ave Maria's 31 digs.

After playing seven matches out of the state of Florida, the Gyrenes will finally play a match on home soil on Thursday, as Ave Maria hosts Florida College in the first volleyball match played in the new Tom Golisano Field House. Opening serve of that match is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.