Madonna University Athletics

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Madonna University fell to Indiana Tech in straight sets, 25-18, 25-10, 25-18, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the Schaefer Center. The Crusaders produced several rallies in the opening and closing sets, but the Warriors' efficient attack and strong serving helped Indiana Tech complete the 3-0 victory.

Madonna trailed 14-8 in the first set before responding with a 6-2 run. Lexa Forti served an ace during a three-point stretch, then Gwen Clifford followed a block with a kill to pull the Crusaders within 16-14. Sydney Stonerock had two of Madonna's first three kills and Hope Schriber later fought off set point with a kill at 24-18, but Indiana Tech secured the next rally to take the opener. The Crusaders hit .219 in the set, their best percentage until a .200 showing in the third.

Indiana Tech established a 7-1 advantage in the second set and maintained control behind a .357 hitting percentage. Vivian Campbell recorded Madonna's first kill of the set, and Stonerock ended a five-point Warriors run with another. Clifford supplied the Crusaders' final kill before Indiana Tech scored the last two points for a 25-10 win and a two-set lead.

The Crusaders answered with their strongest start of the match in the third. Kem Donnelly opened the set with a kill, and an Indiana Tech attack error gave Madonna a 2-0 lead. The teams were tied seven times during the early back-and-forth stretch, including 7-7 after a kill by Alyviah Wright. Indiana Tech broke an 8-8 tie with four consecutive points, but Madonna continued to push back. Schriber started a two-point response with a kill, Forti's second ace highlighted a three-point run that made it 16-13, and Wright and Donnelly combined for a block to trim the margin to 19-16. Schriber and Clifford later teamed for a block to save match point before the Warriors closed the match on the next rally.

Stonerock led Madonna with six kills and added seven digs. Forti finished with a team-high 13 digs and accounted for both Crusaders aces, while Rylie Glass distributed 11 assists. Schriber, Clifford and Wright each recorded four kills, with Wright hitting .273. Schriber and Clifford also contributed two total blocks apiece as Madonna finished with four blocks, 45 digs and 23 kills.

Indiana Tech hit .333 with 46 kills and 13 aces, compared with Madonna's .118 attack percentage. Lauren Snyder paced the Warriors with 12 kills, Kristin Matlack had 39 assists, and Hannah Teich served five aces. Madonna moved to 4-9 overall and 1-3 in conference play, while Indiana Tech improved to 15-5 and 4-0.

The Crusaders will be back in action on Saturday, September 19th as they head back home to take on the University of Northwestern Ohio. The match is set to begin at 2:00 PM.