GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Elmhurst volleyball team opened the two-day Midwest Invitational with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-22 loss to #19 Ohio Norther University.

Ohio Northern (15-4) raced out to an early lead at 7-3 after the first 10 points and quickly pulled away for the 25-18 win in the first set. The second set was even at 13-13 before Ohio Northern slowly pulled away. Leading by one at 18-17, the Polar Bears scored the next four points to take a 21-17 lead before closing the set at 25-19. 

Elmhurst (9-12) led for much of the third set, building a 21-17 lead after a Valerie Thomas ace, but the Bluejays could not close out the set as Ohio Northern rattled off a 5-1 run to pull even at 22-22. The Polar Bears scored the final three points to take the set and the match.

Alexandra Tyggyum and Bailey Brouwer led the Bluejays with seven kills apiece. Taylor Zurliene and Payton Froats added six kills each. Thomas led the team in sidgs with 18 while Zurliene added 11. Katie Davis led the squad in assists with 13. 

Chelsea Huppert led Ohio Northern with 13 kills. 

Elmhurst takes on Calvin College and Thomas More College on the tournaments second day.