SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Lawrence Technological University women's volleyball team hosted #9-ranked Aquinas College on Wednesday evening at the Don Ridler Fieldhouse, falling in straight sets (23-25, 19-25, 16-25) in a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) matchup.
The opening set was a tightly contested battle featuring 12 ties and five lead changes. Lawrence Tech took early momentum behind strong net play from Maria Trevino-Nunez and Kyndal James, pushing ahead 14-12 following an attack error by Aquinas. The Blue Devils matched the Saints kill-for-kill down the stretch, using a block by Catelyn Chapin and Dru Temple to draw within one at 24-23. However, Aquinas held off the late surge to claim the frame 25-23.
Aquinas capitalized on strong serving in the second set, though LTU stayed competitive through key service aces from Emily Hagelthorn, Chloe Winchell, and Temple. The Blue Devils pulled even at 15-15 following an Aquinas error, but the Saints responded with a late run to close out the set 25-19.
In the third set, Aquinas jumped out to an early double-digit lead. Lawrence Tech mounted a late rally, stringing together points off back-to-back blocks from Winchell and Chapin, along with consecutive service aces by Hagelthorn, to close the gap to 23-15. Aquinas ultimately halted the comeback to secure the 25-16 win and seal the match sweep.
Trevino-Nunez paced the Blue Devils' offense with a team-high 10 kills, while Winchell added four kills and three service aces. Temple orchestrated the attack with 13 assists, and Hagelthorn anchored the backline with 12 digs and three aces. At the net, Winchell and Chapin each recorded three total blocks.
Lawrence Tech (8-7, 1-2 WHAC) will look to bounce back as they continue conference play on the road against Cornerstone University on Friday, September 18.
