FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Friday evening the University of Saint Francis Cougars (14-16; 7-7 Crossroads) faced a tough challenge when they played host to the No. 17 Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats (20-5; 11-3 Crossroads) at Hutzell Athletic Center and started strong but fell in four sets by scores of 25-16, 10-25, 18-25, and 16-25.

After a tough loss to the Wildcats a month ago on the road in Marion, the Cougars were anxious to take the court and try for revenge. Opening the first set it looked as though they might get it as they were firing on all cylinders jumping out to a 10-7 lead before Wesleyan had to call a timeout.

Saint Francis continued to build upon their lead extending the margin by six points late in the frame and they rode that momentum all the way to a nine-point victory as the Cougars got off to a hot start.

However, the Wildcats turned the tables at the start of the second set as they jumped out to a quick 6-1 lead before Saint Francis had to call a timeout. From there the Wildcats had gotten all the momentum back and continued building upon their lead throughout the frame all the way to a 15-point victory as they tie the match at one.

Opening the third set, both teams battled neck-and-neck in the early stages finding themselves tied at 11, but a four-point service run by the Wildcats put them ahead late in the frame, and the Cougars had to come back. Saint Francis continued to battle but didn't have enough as the Wildcats claimed the third set by seven points to put the Cougars in a 2-1 hole in the match.

Opening the fourth set matters didn't get much better as the Cougars found themselves trailing 11-5 early on but kept battling to give the Wildcats a good fight. But the Wildcats showed just why they're nationally ranked as they took care of business winning the fourth set by nine as the Cougars took the loss.

Throughout the match sophomore setter Alexa Sparks led the Cougars in assists with 34 while senior defensive specialist Maile Steckelberg had a team-leading 21 digs and sophomore outside hitter Paige Fortkamp led the way in kills with 11.

The Cougars resume play on Saturday afternoon when they play host to the Marian University Knights (18-3; 10-3 Crossroads) right back at Hutzell Athletic Center beginning at 4:00 pm.

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.