(FULTON, Mo., OCT. 6)--The William Woods University volleyball team defeated visiting Stephens College 3-0 in Anderson Arena on Wednesday night. The Owls won 25-14, 25-20 and 25-16.

Junior Nicole Mannino (St. Charles, Mo.) accounted for five consecutive points for the Owls in the first set to take a 13-7 lead over the Stars. The Owls ran the lead to 21-9 before eventually taking the opening set 25-14.

Junior Lauren Fleming (Granbury, Texas) scored back-to-back kills in the second set to give the Owls a 12-10 lead they would never relinquish. Fleming added the final kill to give WWU the 25-20 victory.

William Woods scored eight consecutive points to take a 19-10 lead in the final set of the night. The Stars closed the gap to 22-16 before the Owls finished the match with three straight points.

Fleming led William Woods with 13 kills on the night. Freshman Nichole Lolohea (Salt Lake City, Utah) added 11 kills in the win. Senior Brianna Rodriguez (Camdenton, Mo.) chipped in 10 kills for the Owls in the American Midwest Conference win.

Sophomore Amanda Henley (Jefferson City, Mo.) recorded a match-high 32 digs for William Woods. Freshman Sarah Wehmeyer (Carrollton, Texas) added 24 assists for the Owls.

Stephens falls to 9-10 on the season and 2-6 in the AMC. William Woods improves to 12-11 on the year and 5-4 in league play.

William Woods will return to action on October 8 and 9. The Owls will compete in the St. Ambrose University Tournament in Davenport, Iowa.