GRINNELL, Iowa - Marian University women's volleyball (0-4, 0-0 NACC) was defeated by Cornell in straight sets and St. Kate's in four sets to conclude the Central-Grinnell Invitational.

The Sabres opened day two against the Rams falling with set scores of 25-17, 25-19, and 25-17.  Junior Kaitlyn Merrill led the offense with eight kills, while freshman Harley Bartels paced the defense with two solo blocks and an assisted block.  

After a 25-13 defeat in the first set against St. Catherine, Marian was able to bounce back and take the second set 25-20.  The Wildcats jumped out to a 9-5 lead to open the set but the Sabres went on a 12-2 run to take a 17-11 lead.  Four different student-athletes recorded multiple kills in the set.  St. Kate's then took the next two sets to clinch the victory with set scores of 25-14 and 25-12.

Merrill had a strong match despite the defeat recording a match-high 12 kills to go with two aces.  Junior Jasica Reagan paced the back row with 11 digs.

Marian travels to the UW-Oshkosh M.V.P. Invitational Friday, Sept. 9 to take on the Titans at 3 p.m. and Lake Forest at 5 p.m.