In a tightly-contested match to close out play at the Ball State Active Ankle Challenge on Saturday, the Valparaiso University volleyball team dropped a 3-1 (27-25, 25-23, 22-25, 28-26) decision to UNC Greensboro.

How It Happened

• A 5-0 run for the Crusaders gave them a 23-20 lead late in set one, but the Spartans scored the next three points and held off a pair of Valpo set points before scoring the final three points of the set to claim the opener.
• Valpo looked to have set two under control, leading 23-17 late, but UNCG scored eight consecutive points to come from behind and earn the 2-0 lead.
• The Crusaders were the squad with the late run in set three, as with the frame tied at 21-all, Valpo scored four of the final five points to force a fourth set.
• Trailing by four late in set four, Valpo scored five consecutive points to pull ahead 22-21. The Crusaders had a chance to move the match to a decisive fifth set at 24-23, but the Spartans held off that set point chance and eventually converted on their third match point opportunity.

Inside the Match

• The Crusaders and Spartans combined for plenty of long rallies in Saturday’s match, as Valpo closed out the contest with a season-high 97 digs in just four sets. UNCG posted 106 digs as well, as neither side hit better than .175.
• Senior Morganne Longoria (Burlington, Wis./Burlington) matched her career high in the back row to lead all players, posting 30 digs.
• For the second consecutive day, junior Allison Ketcham (Mishawaka, Ind./Marian) registered 21 digs in a match, while sophomore Katherine Carlson (Lake Orion, Mich./Notre Dame Prep) tallied 18 digs.
• Ketcham paced the Crusaders with 13 kills in the losing effort. Senior Jamie Lacheta (Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw) tied her career best with 12 kills as well and also was in on four blocks.

Next Up

The Crusaders (6-8) open Horizon League play next Friday evening as they make the lengthy trip to take on Green Bay. First serve is slated for 6p.m.