MILWAUKEE, Wis. (SabreAthletics.com) – The Marian University women's volleyball team ran into two formidable opponents from the Iowa Conference today, Sept. 27, and came away empty in the NACC-IIAC Challenge, falling to Dubuque and Buena Vista.

The Sabres (4-13) dropped each match in straight sets. The Spartans and Beaver used very fast starts to establish leads and pulled away to capture victories.

Against Dubuque (9-13), the Sabres were held to 13 points in the first set, which gave the Spartans significant momentum at the outset. In the second set, the Sabres challenged, but managed just 20 points before falling in the third set 20-19.

The Sabres were led by Emily Drier, who tallied seven kills, while Michelle Koster was able to dig out 12 balls, defensively.

The Spartans were paced by a balanced attack, hitting .231 in the match. Alyssa Cose dished out a match-high 40 assists, while Kristin Wright added 18 digs.

Buena Vista (13-8) got off to a similar start, taking the first set 25-16, but a similar result followed for the Sabres. Another 20-point second set was followed by a sweep as the Beavers took the final set, 25-17.

Koster and Amber Baker led the team defensively with 15 and 14 digs, respectively. BVU put two players in double figures offensively with Jade Schaap and Maddie Bardole tallying 15 and 12 kills, respectively. Laura Barry added 43 assists in the win as BVU hit .280 for the match.

The Sabres won't have a lot of time to bounce back as they get set to host Wisconsin Lutheran College, Tuesday, Sept. 30. First serve will start at 7 p.m.