Paragould, AR - Stephens College volleyball pushed Friday night's match to the limit but ultimately fell to Crowleys Ridge, 3-2 (15-25, 25-17, 15-25, 25-19, 15-9).

The Stars came out strong in the opening set, hitting .304 as a team and rolling to a 25-15 win. Crowleys Ridge responded in set two to even the match, but Stephens answered right back in the third set with a 25-15 victory behind an efficient .235 hitting percentage. The fourth set saw the hosts pull away late to force a decisive fifth set, where Crowleys Ridge capitalized on key runs to take the match.

Stephens had three players reach double figures in kills, led by Makenna Bollinger with 15 on a .423 hitting percentage. Amari Branch-Autman and Duru Eriz added 10 kills apiece, while Fernanda Izar was a force at the net with eight kills and three solo blocks. Setter Emma Whitson recorded 34 assists and 12 digs for a double-double, and Syerra Mitchell anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs.

As a team, the Stars hit .256 on the night and recorded nine service aces. Despite out-hitting the Pioneers, Stephens was out-blocked 9-6 and narrowly trailed in digs, 50-51.

The Stars continue conference play in Arkansas tomorrow against Williams Baptist College. The first serve is scheduled for 12:00pm.