FOND DU LAC - Marian University women's volleyball (11-12, 3-8 NACC) fell to Lakeland in four sets to open the weekend with set scores of 28-26, 26-24, 16-25, and 25-17.

There was a lot of energy in Sadoff Gymnasium for the start of the match with the first two sets requiring extras.  The opening set was a seesaw battle as each team went on several runs with many different lead changes.  Eventually, Lakeland found themselves with a 24-22 advantage but Marian was able to hold off the opening set-point opportunities.  The Sabres had a pair of set-point opportunities, but the third time proved to be the charm for the Muskies to take the first set.

Marian jumped all over the Muskies to start the second opening with a 13-5 lead and forcing a timeout from Lakeland.  The break proved to be a momentum shifter as the Muskies scored six straight points and eventually took the lead at 22-20.  Lakeland took that lead out to the similar 24-22 advantage only to have Marian put together another rally and force extras.  Once again the third set-point opportunity proved to be the charm for the Muskies to go ahead 2-0.

The Muskies used the momentum to take a 12-8 lead to open the third set before six unanswered points gave the Sabres a lead.  The Sabres did not relinquish this lead using an 8-1 run to take the set handily at 25-16.  Lakeland once again had a strong start in the fourth scoring the first nine points and taking a 14-3 lead.  Marian rallied to cut their deficit down to as little as four but a 7-3 run at the end of the set gave the Muskies the victory.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Merrill posted a match-high 19 kills to lead the offense, while fellow sophomore Serina Pehowski had 11 kills to go with seven block assists.  Another sophomore in Anna Tapia had a double-double behind 38 assists and 12 digs to go with three service aces, and senior Brooklyn Taylor had a match-high 21 digs.

Marian plays their final home match of the season taking on Benedictine tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 23 for a noon first serve.