GOSHEN, Ind. — The early optimism of a two-set lead fell by the wayside for the Goshen College volleyball team on Wednesday night as the Maple Leafs lost a five-set decision to Indiana University Kokomo in each team's season opener at Gunden Gymnasium.

Goshen won each of the first two sets 25-23, then dropped the third 25-18. After the visiting Cougars won the first six points of the fourth stanza, the Leafs rallied to tie the score at 12 and lead at 16-15. But they could not get over the hump, as IUK never trailed by more than a point and leveled the match with a 25-23 win. In the deciding set, four kills from Nicole Sandmann (who finished with 15) buoyed the visitors to a 15-10 win.

Four Maple Leafs finished with double-figure kills: Katy Anspach led the team with a career-high 15, followed by 12 apiece for Lexa Magnuson and Hallie Vanitvelt, while Whitney Peterson ended 11 points. Lisa Rodriguez led all players with 25 assists, followed by Kelsey Smith with 22.

Goshen falls to 0-1 on the season and will return to the court this weekend at the Concordia University Kick-Off Classic, playing four matches beginning with Lawrence Tech at 3 p.m. Friday.

More, including comments from head coach Jim Routhier, to come when available.