GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- The Lawrence Technological University women's volleyball team pushed No. 7-ranked Aquinas College to the limit on Friday night, taking the nation's seventh-ranked team to a deciding fifth set before falling 3–2 (21–25, 25–15, 25–13, 23–25, 15–10) in Grand Rapids.
Lawrence Tech set the tone early in the match, rallying in the opening frame behind a late 6–0 run to claim the first set 25–21. Aquinas responded with forceful offensive standard in the second and third sets to take a 2–1 match lead. Undaunted, the Blue Devils erupted for 16 kills and a blistering .406 hitting percentage in the fourth frame, edging out the Saints 25–23 to force a final set. In the fifth set, LTU leveled the score at 6–6 before Aquinas put together a match-closing surge to secure the 15–10 victory.
Chloe Winchell put on a stellar performance for the Blue Devils, throwing down a team-high 16 kills while adding 3 blocks. Maria Trevino Nunez joined her in double figures with 15 kills and 8 digs. Ella Aberlich and Dru Temple orchestrated the offense smoothly with 20 and 19 assists, respectively, with Aberlich adding 11 digs for a double-double. Libero Emily Hagelthorn anchored the defense with a team-high 15 digs, while Kyndal James and Sophia Thornton posted 4 blocks each at the net. Aquinas was led by Cece Pelak's game-high 20 kills and Kyla Charles' 55 assists.
Lawrence Tech (12–15, 4–10 WHAC) returns home next Wednesday to host Madonna University at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse for senior night and the final home game of the regular season.
