FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Saturday afternoon the University of Saint Francis Cougars (14-17; 7-8 Crossroads) played host to the No. 15 Marian University Knights (20-3; 12-3 Crossroads) at Hutzell Athletic Center but were overmatched as they fell in three sets by scores of 25-23, 25-14, and 25-19.

In addition to Saturday's contest, the Cougars also celebrated their Senior Day by honoring those who's efforts and contributions have been a positive asset to the program during their collegiate tenures: Maile Steckelberg, Kyndel Buchanan, Kylie Topp, Eliana Serdynski, and Shelby Mosier.

As the first set got started, the Cougars got off to a strong start jumping out to a 7-4 lead, but Marian surged ahead with a six-point service run to take a 10-7 lead before Saint Francis had to call a timeout.

The Cougars did fight back to tie the score and most of the frame went back-and-forth with each team exchanging leads. But late in the frame with the score tied at 20, Marian went on a three-point service run to take a 23-20 lead and never looked back as the Cougars dropped the opener by two.

Marian picked up right where they left off to begin the second set and then some as they jumped out to a quick 6-1, forcing the Cougars to play catch up again. Saint Francis did fight back and try to stay with Marian, but that early deficit proved to be too much as the Cougars dropped the set by 11 and down by two games in the match.

Opening the fourth set the Cougars got off to a good start leading 5-1 to open the frame. But then Marian surged ahead and took advantage of a five-point service run to take a 6-5 lead forcing the Cougars to call a timeout.

Then the frame went back-and-forth throughout but then Marian began to pull away at the end, scoring on three straight rallies to take a 22-18 lead, putting the Cougars on the ropes. The Knights then took care of business as the Cougars were dealt the sweep.

Throughout the match, sophomore setter Alexa Sparks led the Cougars in assists with 28, while senior defensive specialist Maile Steckelberg led the way in digs with 17, and sophomore outside hitter Paige Fortkamp had a team-leading 12 kills.

The Cougars resume play on Wednesday evening when they travel to Upland, Indiana to take on the No. 12 Taylor University Trojans (23-5; 12-2) whom they upset in their previous match at Hutzell beginning at 7:00 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.