FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Lady Cougars of USF dropped to the Marian University Knights yesterday afternoon in a thrilling 3-set match at Hutzell Athletic Center. The Lady Cougs competed in the first set, taking the final to 32-30, falling to the Knights. 

USF dropped set 2 to the Knights 25-12 exhausting all their energy in the extension of the first set. The Lady Cougars also fell in set 3, 25-21 and showed more resilience than they did in set 2. 

Key players for the Lady Cougars included Paige Fortkamp recording 7 kills, 1 assist, 1 ace, 6 digs, and 3 assisted-blocks. Alexis Gregory, the team's libero, held down the back court and gave the Lady Cougs many rally opportunities due to her coverage off the block. Gregory tallied 1 assist, 2 service aces, & 9 digs. Freshman, Caroline Jones was the biggest threat at the net for USF tallying 7 kills, 1 dig, and 2 assisted-blocks. Kate McMullen & Ellie Ferris combined for 7 kills & 4 blocks.

Overall, USF is now 5-12, and 1-6 in Crossroads League Play. The Lady Cougars will return home Wednesday, September 27th to host the Spring Arbor University (Mich.) Cougars. First serve is set for 7pm in Hutzell Athletic Center. The Michigan Cougars are 10-8 overall and 4-3 in CL Play. 

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

-USF Athletics-