MCPHERSON, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary volleyball team's upset bid of No. 18 McPherson College came up short Wednesday night, as they fell 3-0 (13-25, 17-25, 24-26).

The Spires are now 20-13 overall and 7-3 in the KCAC.

GAME FLOW
Saint Mary kept pace with McPherson in the first set trailing just 14-12 after a kill from Cody Offerle. The Bulldogs then bolted to a 9-1 run to close the set 25-13. The Spires once again found themselves behind by just two points at 10-8 in the second set after Cali Odom and Offerle added consecutive kills for the Spires. Saint Mary then trailed by just three points on three separate occasions, late in the set. With the Bulldogs leading 19-16 after a kill from Brooke Fender, they were able to score six of the next seven points to take the set 25-17.

The third set would be another competitive one as the Spires fought back from a 17-11 deficit to tie the score at 18 apiece. Both teams would fight their way to a 24-24 tie, but the Bulldogs scored two straight points to win the set 26-24.

KEY STATISTICS

• Offerle (7) and Fender (5) combined for 12 kills to lead the Spires.
• Ashley Van Gieson led the team with 12 assists.
• Katy Koepke (13) and Van Gieson (11) led the team in digs.

WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
The Spires travel to Bellevue, Neb. for a Tri-Match on Friday where they will face Dickinson State and Bellevue. First serve against Dickinson State is set for 5 p.m.