INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After dropping two matches to Marian University earlier this season, the Goshen College volleyball team came within points of earning their first victory over the Knights this season Tuesday night in Indianapolis.

The only points that matter in the end, however, are the ones on the final scoreboard.  Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, those were in favor of the host Knights as Marian rallied from two sets down for a 16-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13 win over Goshen.

Transportation issues on the way to Indianapolis delayed the Maple Leafs arrival until approximately 30 minutes after the original start time of 7:00 p.m.  Judging by Goshen’s start, the casual observer would have never guessed the Leafs had so many distractions as they still managed to jump to an early lead by winning the first two sets by 25-16 and 25-18 counts.

The Knights bounced back, however, to take the third set (25-17) before rallying from behind in set four (25-22) sending the match to the decisive fifth set.  After Goshen hit more than 30% in the first two sets, they fired at just a .072 clip in the next two frames.  Meanwhile, Marian started with a 10% hitting percentage in the first two sets, but hit 30% and 24% in the third and fourth, respectively.

Tied 2-2 in the fifth set, Marian went on a 8-2 run to take a significant 10-4 lead.  To Goshen’s credit, they did not back down.  The Leafs made a run of their own, a 9-4 streak, but it was too late as the host Knights pulled out a 15-13 win.

With the loss the Maple Leafs drop to 12-12 overall and 3-3 in the MCC.

Junior Peni Acayo led all attackers with 20 kills.  She also added four aces and 18 digs.  Classmate Brittany Herschberger posted a match-high 22 digs, while senior’s Lindsey Nofziger and Allison Hawkins combined for 44 assists.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 and is filed under Main Feature, News, Volleyball.