FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Lady Cougars played host to the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats, Friday evening at Hutzell Athletic Center. USF was unable to steal a set from the No. 22-Ranked Wildcats, and ultimately dropped in 3 sets.

Key players for the Lady Cougars made valiant efforts, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory. Paige Fortkamp contributed with 8 kills, 13 assists, and 9 digs, Addison Shafer had an impressive 9 kills and 3 digs, while Alexis Gregory held the backcourt together tallying 8 digs. 

Jo Delsing was the starting setter for USF and split time with Eliza Madden and Paige Fortkamp combining for 24 assists (12 coming from Fortkamp). Kate McMullen recorded 3 block assists, and Ellie Ferris was a menace at the net with 2 block assists and 6 kills.

As a team, the Lady Cougars recorded 4 service aces, 28 kills, 24 assists, 38 digs. USF put together their best team performance thus far, but came up short in the end. The Lady Cougs dropped set 1 25-20, set 2 25-13, but rallied for set 3, only dropping the set by 2 points (25-23). 

With this loss, the Lady Cougars now hold a 5-11 overall record and are 1-5 in Crossroads League play. 

The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Lady Cougs will complete their back-to-back weekend playing host to the Marian University Knights tomorrow (Saturday September 23) for a 4pm first serve in Hutzell Athletic Center.

Cougar fans can stay up to date with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.

-Mady Hughes-