HOLLAND, Mich. - Tonight the three-seeded Calvin University volleyball team fell to top seeded Hope in the MIAA Tournament finals in three sets (25-19, 26-24, 25-23).

Hope (27-2, 8-0 MIAA) started the first set strong as it went on a 9-2 run to give the Dutch a quick lead. After taking a timeout to regroup, Calvin (22-7, 6-2 MIAA) fought back and began clawing its way back into the match. However, despite bringing the score within two points at 14-17, the Dutch never gave up their lead and went on to win the first set. 

As the second set got underway the teams were neck and neck as they went through four lead changes and nine ties. Hope was able to get some distance late in the set when they went on a 6-0 run to take the 22-16 lead. The Knights had an answer though as they proceeded to go on a run of their own and came storming back to tie the set at 24-24. Unfortunately, Hope was able to bounce back and won two quick points to claim the second set.

With the championship on the line Calvin came out strong as they took a commanding 8-3 lead to start the third set. However, Hope stood their ground and came back to take the set and win the match 3-0.

Calvin finished the match with a .162 hitting percentage and 10 services aces.

Gabriella Kellogg (Belleville, Mich./Plymouth Christian Academy) led the attack for the Knights with 11 kills while Aerin Baker (Saugatuck, Mich./Saugatuck) had 8 kills. Baker also led the squad with 11 digs with Aubrey Wrubel having 10.

COACHES COMMENT: "I thought it was a well fought game," said head coach Dr. Amber Warners. "I thought the stats were pretty even but I think we just didn't make the plays we needed to and we just didn't have the consistency that we were looking for tonight."

UP NEXT: The Knights will await to find out their postseason fate as the NCAA Tournament Selection Show will air on Monday at 1:00pm.