ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University women's volleyball team fell to Carroll University, 3-1, on Wednesday evening inside R.A. Faganel Hall.
The Bluejays took an early lead in the opening set, using kills from
Samantha Webb and
Katie Hurta to build a 4-2 advantage. Elmhurst (14-9, 3-3 CCIW) extended its lead to 9-4 following a pair of blocks involving
Tzvetomira Tchohadjieva and Hurta. Carroll (16-10, 5-1) responded with a 7-2 run to tie the score at 11-11. The Pioneers led by as many as three (16-13), but Elmhurst fought back to take a brief 21-20 lead following a
Paige Belfield service ace. Carroll closed out the set on a 5-2 run to take set one, 25-23.
Elmhurst opened the second set with a 5-1 advantage, highlighted by consecutive kills from Hurta. Carroll gradually chipped away at the deficit, tying the score at 6-6 before taking the lead. The teams traded points throughout the middle portion of the set, but the Pioneers created separation late to take the second set, 25-21.
The Bluejays responded in the third set with their strongest offensive performance of the match. Elmhurst recorded 20 kills and hit .421, using consistent attacks to pull away from the visitors. The Bluejays secured a 25-20 set three victory to avoid the sweep.
Carroll regained its momentum in the fourth set, limiting Elmhurst to eight kills, while producing 13 of its own. The Bluejays were unable to mount another comeback, as the Pioneers closed out the match with a 25-20 set four win.
Hurta led the Bluejays with 21 kills, hitting .364, while Webb and Tchohadjieva added 10 and nine kills respectively. Temple recorded 39 assists, and
Elayna Ammerman led the defense with 23 digs. As a team, Elmhurst hit .197, finishing with 53 kills and 24 errors in 147 attempts.
Carly Hicklin paced the Pioneers with 16 kills, while Payton Depies and Lexi Proctor handed out 21 and 13 assists respectively. Carroll hit .154, totaling 46 kills and 22 errors in 156 attempts.
Up Next: Elmhurst returns to R.A. Faganel Hall on Friday, Oct. 30, to host the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
