LIVONIA, MICH.-- In a challenging volleyball contest held on September 10, 2025, the Madonna University Crusaders were defeated by Rochester Christian in their home opener with a final score of 3-0. This outcome marks a significant event in the Crusaders' current season, bringing their record to an even 5-5, with a conference tally of 0-2.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

The match commenced with the first set where the Crusaders showcased a solid fight but fell short with a score of 25-21 in favor of Rochester Christian. The momentum continued in a similar pattern through the second set, with the Crusaders struggling to gain the upper hand and ultimately losing 25-16. The final and third set proved to be the closest, ending with a narrow score of 25-23, still in favor of Rochester.

Notable player contributions came from Kira Buza, who led the team with 13 kills and 14 digs, establishing herself as a crucial player for the Crusaders. Vivian Campbell and Alyviah Wright followed, with Wright also making significant defensive plays with a team-high of 2 blocks alongside Katie Mulka. In the serving department, Lexa Forti and Madelena Arriaga delivered effectively, each earning 2 aces, enhancing the Crusaders' offensive efforts. Karlee Stoll was instrumental with 33 assists, facilitating many of the scoring plays.

Additional recognition was given to top hitters Kira Buza and Katie Mulka for their impressive .333 hitting percentages, alongside Paige Caradonna and Hope Schriber who also delivered strong performances. The Crusaders certainly showed resilience and skill through their individual performances despite the team outcome.

UP NEXT:

Looking ahead, the Madonna University Crusaders are set to face the University of Michigan-Dearborn in Dearborn, Mich. on September 12, 2025. The team hopes to leverage their experiences from this match to make a strong showing in their upcoming contest. The match is set to start at 7:00 PM.