Ottawa, KS - Stephens College volleyball came close in each frame but was edged 3-0 by Kansas Wesleyan on Friday afternoon inside Wilson Field House. Set scores were 25-20, 25-20, 26-24.

The Stars pushed the Coyotes throughout the match, keeping every set within reach and forcing extra points in the third. Despite several strong runs, Stephens was unable to close the gap as Kansas Wesleyan used timely scoring to finish each set.

Stephens had a balanced attack with four players recording seven or more kills. Lena Hunziker led the way with nine kills and four service aces, finishing with 14 points. Michalina Oles matched her with nine kills on .471 hitting, while Fernanda Izar added seven kills at a .294 clip. Amari Branch-Autman was a presence at the net with seven kills and a team-high four blocks.

Setter Emma Whitson distributed the offense with 31 assists and chipped in eight digs. Kiley Smetzer anchored the back row with 10 digs, while Alanis Francelino added nine.

As a team, Stephens tallied 34 kills and hit .191, while Kansas Wesleyan finished with 36 kills and a .208 hitting percentage. 

The loss moves Stephens to 3-4 overall. The Stars will return to action this weekend with another match in Ottawa at 6:30pm.