OWENSBORO, KY. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College volleyball team lost a head-to-head battle with Walsh University in four sets on Saturday afternoon. A dramatic first set shifted momentum into the Cavaliers favor and allowed them to thwart the Panthers attempt at a comeback.
 
The Panthers (7-8, 2-1 GMAC) came out still riding momentum from Friday night's victory over Malone. After a kill by Jaylen McEwen in the middle of the opening set, Wesleyan held a 19-13 lead. They eventually built a 21-15 advantage. However, the Cavs (9-4, 3-0 GMAC) won eight of the next nine points to close the gap, taking a 23-22 lead.
 
Back-to-back errors by Walsh gave the Panthers set point. Alexis Gilland's ensuing attack went long, but was supposedly touched as flew outside of the court. The Cavs made good use of their new life, taking the first 27-25.
 
With the energy in Jones Gymnasium flatter than it was at the start of the match, Walsh stormed through the second set 25-15. The Cavs held a .333 attacking percentage in the frame, committing only one error.
 
The Panthers answered in kind as they showcased their best attacking set of the afternoon. Wesleyan converted at .467 in the third set, connecting on 17 kills against three errors. The Panthers again built a late lead in the frame, 22-17, this time they recorded a 25-21 win.
 
Walsh raced out to a 13-5 lead in the fourth set and looked to put the Panthers away, but Wesleyan did not go quietly. After winning five of six points Wesleyan was back within 24-19. Out of a Walsh timeout, the Cavaliers closed out the match with a 25-19 win of the fourth set.
 
Danielle Brouillette gave a herculean effort in the third set, recording eight kills and two block assists in the frame. On the day she collected 11 kills with a .385 attacking percentage with five block assists, and one block. McEwen continued her torrid pace as she ended the match with nine kills and 16 digs.
 
Both Sierra Morrow and Nicole Martin added eight kills. Lydia Jackson dished out 27 assists while Maggie Vincent recorded 20 digs.
 
The Panthers will travel to Pepper Pike, Ohio on Friday for a match against Ursuline. The contest is scheduled to start at 7 PM CT.