SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - The fourth-ranked Calvin University women's volleyball team defeated Wittenberg University 3-1 on Friday by the scores of 20-25, 25-16, 25-17 and 25-22 on the opening night of the MIAA/NCAC Challenge.

The number-21 Tigers jumped in front early in front of their home crowd, taking an 8-2 lead in the opening set. The Knights settled in as the set went along and cut the deficit to 19-17, but could not overcome five serving errors and five Wittenberg aces as the Tigers took the set and the 1-0 lead.

Calvin answered in the second set, cutting down on its errors and hitting .286 on the attack to run away with a 25-16 set-two win to even the match at 1-1.

The Knights continued that momentum into the third set, building a big early lead and holding the Tigers' attack to only eight kills with stellar defense in the front and back rows to take a 2-1 overall lead.

In the fourth set, the teams traded furious rallies down the stretch as the Tigers tried to force a fifth-and-deciding game, but the Knights kept their composure down the stretch and clinched the match with a kill by Aerin Baker (Saugatuck, Mich./Saugatuck) for the 25th and final point. 

It was a team effort on all fronts for the Knights, as a number of players across the court contributed in the win. The Knights finished with 10 blocks in the match, led by six from Vanessa Martinez (Hudsonville, Mich./Wyoming), and held the Tigers to a .106 attack percentage.

In the back row, Aubrey Wrubel (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) led the Knights with 20 digs, while Gabriella Kellogg (Belleville, Mich./Plymouth Christian Academy) and Baker each finished in double figures with 15 and 11 digs, respectively.

On the attack, Baker led the Knights with 12 kills, and Avery Ekkens (Portage, Mich./Kalamazoo Christian) hit .500 with 10 kills to go with four blocks in the middle. 

The win was the Knights' third over a ranked opponent this season after knocking off number-eight Transylvania and number-11 Berry last weekend.

COACH'S COMMENT: "I thought we regrouped really well after having a rough first set," Calvin women's volleyball head coach Dr. Amber Warners said. "We held our composure under some stressful moments and I loved to see that growth. I thought our blocking was really good."

NEXT UP: Calvin women's volleyball will return to action tomorrow at Wittenberg for day two of the MIAA/NCAC Challenge. The Knights will face Denison at 10:00 AM, followed by a match against Ohio Wesleyan at 3:00 PM.