RICHMOND, Ind. – The Earlham College volleyball team dropped a five-set thriller to Indiana University East 3-2 on Tuesday evening in Druley Performance Gym.
Caylee Brandes led the Quaker offense with 15 kills and four blocks.
Addison Piatt scored 14 kills and posted a .333 attack percentage.
Sydney Bleyle dished out a team-high 24 assists, and had 14 digs.
Ava Walters recorded 21 assists and one ace.
Madison Bizjak led the back line with 21 digs.
Lauren Newcomer led the squad in aces with two.
After trailing 14-9 in the opening set, the Red Wolves scored a 14-4 run to take control of the set. Earlham responded with a late run in set two. After trailing 20-13, the Quakers outscored IU East 14-5 through the remainder of the set, taking the set win 27-25.
Earlham then carried momentum to a 17-10 lead in set three. The Red Wolves scored seven straight points to tie the set, but the hosts capped off the set win with five straight points. Trailing 12-6, Earlham scored an 8-2 run, including six straight points to tie the set at 14. The visitors responded with a 10-2 run to get set point at 24-16. Earlham scored six straight points before the Red Wolves ended the set.
In the final set, Earlham took a 4-1 lead before IU East took a timeout to regroup. The visitors then scored an 8-2 run, and led 9-6 in the final frame. The Red Wolves then outscored the Quakers 6-5 to secure the win.
Earlham hosts a tri-match on Friday in Druley Performance Gym. The Quakers are set to take on Adrian College at 3 pm, and host Otterbein University at 7 pm.
