SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Lawrence Tech pushed Calvin University to the finish with a determined third-set rally, but the Blue Devils fell 25-13, 25-16, 25-23 in their first regular-season home match Monday at Don Ridler Field House. Calvin finished with a 35-25 advantage in kills and hit .300 to Lawrence Tech's .167.
The Blue Devils stayed close early in the opening set. A kill by Kyndal James, Kyndal cut Calvin's lead to 8-7, but the visitors responded with a 7-1 run to build a 15-8 advantage. Maria Trevino Nunez, Maria later delivered a kill that brought Lawrence Tech within 17-13 before Calvin scored the final eight points. That closing run included four service aces from Vander Zwaag, Tryna.
Lawrence Tech again remained within striking distance through the middle of the second set. Kyndal James, Kyndal combined on a block to make the score 9-7, and a kill by Maria Trevino Nunez, Maria trimmed the deficit to 14-12. Calvin pulled away with an 11-4 finish, including consecutive aces from Boa, Mary during a five-point run, to take the set 25-16 and move ahead 2-0 in the match.
The Blue Devils produced their strongest stretch in the third set. Maria Trevino Nunez, Maria opened it with a block for Lawrence Tech's first lead of the match, but Calvin eventually moved in front 20-9. With Hagelthorn, Emily serving, the Blue Devils scored five straight points to cut the margin to six. They mounted another charge after falling behind 23-16, putting together a six-point run. The surge included an ace and kills by Kyndal James, pulling Lawrence Tech within 23-22.
After Calvin reached match point, Maria Trevino Nunez, Maria put down a kill to make it 24-23 before the visitors answered with the match-ending kill. Maria Trevino Nunez, Maria led Lawrence Tech with 10 kills and 11.5 points while adding a solo block and a block assist. Kyndal James hit .600 with three kills and four block assists, Meyer, Isabella added four kills, and Hagelthorn, Emily paced the Blue Devils with six digs.
Lawrence Tech finished with 22 assists, four aces and 5.5 total blocks. Calvin held a 15-4 edge in service aces, but the Blue Devils' late response provided a competitive finish after the early deficits. Lawrence Tech will next play in the Taylor University Tournament this weekend and look to bounce back against three different out of conference opponents.Â
