LEAVENWORTH, KAN. - The University of Saint Mary Spires volleyball team came up just short in a 3-2 loss to Evangel University in a tightly contested conference matchup Wednesday night. The Spires started strong, taking the first set 25-18, but Evangel responded with back-to-back wins in the second 25-14 and third 25-13 sets. Saint Mary battled back to take the fourth set 25-23, pushing the match to a deciding fifth set, where the Valors narrowly claimed a 15-10 victory.

Madison Folsom and Ainsley Gardner led the offensive effort with double-digit kills, while the Spires posted a 15.52% kill percentage overall. On the defensive side, Macey Adams recorded 22 digs, Gabby Kurle added 14, and Ivory Howat contributed 10. Despite holding Evangel to a 21.3% kill percentage, Saint Mary couldn't complete the comeback. With the loss, USM now sit at 14-8 overall and 4-1 in conference play. 

Up Next:

They will face Bethany at home on Saturday, October 12th, at 3:00 p.m. CDT.