FOND DU LAC - Marian University women's volleyball (11-13, 3-9 NACC) fell to Benedictine in five sets to close out the home portion of their schedule with set scores of 26-24, 25-27, 28-26, 23-25, and 15-5.

In a highly competitive match, the first four sets were decided by the minimum of two points and three of those needed extras.  Benedictine held a 15-9 lead to open the first set but following a Marian timeout the Sabres were able to score five unanswered points to cut their deficit down to one.  The Eagles were able to bring their lead out to 24-20 only for the Sabres to turn away four set-point opportunities.  Back-to-back kills from Benedictine ended the comeback, however, settling the set at 26-24.  The second set played out similarly but with reversed rolls.  The Eagles held an 18-15 advantage only to have Marian go on a 5-1 run to take a 20-19 lead.  After holding a 24-22 lead, the Sabres were unalbe to convert a pair of set-point opportunities but held off an Eagle set-point opportunity to score three straight points to end the second and even the sets.

Benedictine once again held an early lead to start the third going ahead 19-14.  The Sabres then scored six unanswered points to take a 20-19 lead.  Finishing off set-point opportinites continued to be difficult for both sides as the Eagles failed twice and Marian couldn't convert their only chance.  A block from Benedictine sealed the third set and gave the Eagles a 2-1 advantage.  Needing a win, Marian was able to jump out to an 18-14 lead on Benedictine, but the Eagles were able to tie the set with four straight points.  From there, neither team held a lead larger than three points and the Sabres were able to close out the set and force a fifth with the final two points of the set.

The fifth set saw Benedictine start with a 5-2 lead, and the Eagles were able to extend their advantage out to 13-4.  The Eagles were then able to easily put away the set and earn the victory.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Merrill led both teams with a match-high 19 kills, while fellow sophomore Serina Pehowski has 10 kills to go with seven total blocks, two of which were solo.  Another sophomore in Reagan Jasica led the back row with 21 digs, and senior Brooklyn Taylor added 17 digs and recorded four service aces.

Marian closes out NACC play traveling to Wisconsin Lutheran Wednesday, Oct. 27 for a 7 p.m. first serve.