ELMHURST, IL - Elmhurst volleyball battled through three competitive sets but came up short on the road, falling 3–0 (26–28, 18–25, 23–25) to Augustana in a CCIW matchup Friday night.

The Bluejays opened strong, racing to a 6–0 lead in the first set behind four consecutive service aces from Gianna Ptaszek and early kills from Blair Johnson and Nyah Moustakas. Elmhurst held a 24–19 advantage late, but Augustana mounted a comeback with a 9–2 run to steal the opener, 28–26.

In the second set, Elmhurst continued to compete closely, highlighted by kills from Ashley Clardy and Paige Belfield and a service ace from Alexis Casey. The Bluejays matched the Vikings point-for-point early, but Augustana's offense found its rhythm midway through the frame to pull away for a 25–18 win.

The third set was another tight battle featuring 10 ties. Elmhurst trailed 21–20 before kills from Clardy, Keely Larson, and Belfield evened the score. However, the Vikings closed out the match with a 4–2 run to take the set 25–23 and complete the sweep.

Clardy led the Bluejays with 10 kills, while Johnson and Belfield added eight each. Larson totaled five kills, and Moustakas contributed two kills and two blocks. Setter Freddie Temple guided the offense with 31 assists and added 10 digs and two kills. Ptaszek sparked the Bluejays from the service line with four aces and also collected 10 digs. Casey led the defense with 11 digs and an ace, while Belfield and Johnson each added seven digs.

Elmhurst hit .165 as a team with 35 kills, eight service aces, and three total blocks. Augustana countered with 41 kills, 11 aces, and a .235 team hitting percentage.

With the loss, Elmhurst moved to 7–14 overall and 1–3 in CCIW play. The Bluejays return home next week to continue conference action, looking to bounce back from Friday's close defeat.