LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Marian University women's volleyball (1-3, 0-0 NACC) defeated Mount Mary in four sets before falling to Loras in a five-set thriller to close out the Forester Invite.

After a slow start to their first match of the day, Marian was able to bounce back and take three straight sets to defeat Mount Mary 23-25, 25-20, 26-24, and 25-11.  Marian was able to record at least 12 kills in every set of the victory and hit .355 in the fourth set with 14 kills to just three errors.

Junior Caelan Tourdot posted a career-best 20 kills in the win with a .439 attack percentage, while senior Brooklyn Taylor and junior Andrea Miller each had 17 digs in the back row.  Sophomore Reagan Jasica had three total blocks to go with six kills and 11 digs.

Marian was able to use the momentum from their first win of the season in their second match of the day against Loras as the Sabres jumped out to a 16-4 lead in the first set.  This helped set the tone for a 25-21 victory in the opening set.  The second set was tight from start to finish with the Sabres taking the set in extras in 26-24.  Freshman Tehya Pyawasay closed out the win for the Sabres with a solo block.

Loras was able to bounce back, however, taking the next pair of sets at 25-17 and 25-20 to force five sets, the second such five-set match for Marian on the young season.  Loras was able to take the first slim lead of the decisive set and used a 4-1 run late in the set to take an 11-7 advantage and earn the comeback win.

Taylor posted a match-high 29 digs in the back row, while Tourdot added another 19 kills with a .275 hitting percentage.  Miller chipped in 16 kills in the defeat, while Pyawasay led Marian at the net with four total blocks.

Marian travels to the Pointer Invitational next weekend opening against Carleton at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10.