GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The North Park University women's volleyball team dropped a four-set match to Trine University on Friday evening, falling 25-23, 25-13, 23-25, 25-14.
The Vikings battled closely with Trine in the opening set before the Thunder escaped with a 25-23 win. Trine then took control of the match in the second set, using a strong serving run to claim a 25-13 victory.
North Park answered in the third. Trailing late, senior right-side hitter Grace Morrow delivered consecutive kills to help the Vikings rally, and senior middle blocker Meg Rothermel finished off a 25-23 set win to extend the match.
The Thunder responded with an early surge in the fourth set and maintained the advantage the rest of the way to secure the match.
Rothermel led North Park with 10 kills and four blocks, while senior setter Kendal Britton totaled 28 assists and 11 digs. Junior libero Xenia Gonzales recorded a match-high 21 digs, tying a career high, while Morrow and junior outside hitter Maya Huelsman each added six kills.
Trine was paced by Reese Steenwyk and Elli Baker with 10 kills apiece as the Thunder finished with 14 service aces.
What's Next?
North Park returns to action Saturday at the Calvin Invite, beginning with a matchup against No. 14 Calvin University at 12:30 p.m. ET before facing Alma College later in the afternoon at 2:30 p.m. ET.
