CINCINNATI, Ohio— The Miami University volleyball team (3-3) dropped to Eastern Kentucky (4-1) in four sets (21-25, 10-25, 25-19, 20-25) at the Xavier Tournament on Saturday.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Early kills from Miami, including two from Molly Creech, kept things close for the RedHawks at 8-5 in the first set. At 16-7, the Colonels managed to separate from Miami before Chelsea Williams smacked a kill, Ellie Hanson served an ace and Lydia Michelin put down a solo block for three straight points. Gathering momentum, the RedHawks didn't stop there, as Creech and Williams each put down two kills to come within three at 18-15. By evening the score at 19 apiece, the Red and White showed determination, but the effort fell just short, as Eastern Kentucky claimed the first set 25-21.
• A kill from Michelin, along with a block assist from Gentry Warrick and Williams, put the score at 3-3 at the start of the second set. Creech added a pair of kills to trail 8-5. However, the RedHawks came no closer, ultimately dropping the second set 25-10.
• With the Colonels leading 6-5 at the beginning of the third set, Miami went on an 8-0 run that forced two Eastern Kentucky timeouts. Raegan Lantz helped fuel this offensive spark with a solo block and three kills. The Colonels went on to close within two at 15-13. A few errors from Eastern Kentucky and numerous kills from Creech helped the RedHawks secure the third set 25-19.
• Both teams found themselves tied at 6-6 in the fourth set before the Colonels jumped ahead 13-9. Four unanswered points from the RedHawks made it 13-13 and forced Eastern Kentucky to call a timeout. Late kills from Lantz kept the RedHawks in the fight at 23-20, but Eastern Kentucky ultimately managed to fend off Miami and take the final set 25-20.

NOTES:

• Lantz led all RedHawks with 14 kills.
• Kamryn Utley recorded 28 assists to lead all players.

UP NEXT:
Miami closes out play at the Xavier Tournament later today versus IU Indy at 4:30 p.m.