SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – September 24, 2021 – Hiram women's volleyball dropped a match at Wittenberg, 3-1, on Friday falling in their first North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) contest of the year.

Wittenberg started off strong in set one getting off to an 9-4 start before a Hiram timeout. Despite a three-point run by Hiram, that included a Kayla Cole and Mary Landis kill, the Tigers still held a strong lead throughout set one at 20-13. The home team was able to close out the first set winning 25-16.

In the early parts of set two both teams traded points. Both teams remained tied at nine looking to make a move. After Wittenberg broke ahead for a `15-11 lead, Hiram called a timeout. The Terriers got off to hot start out of the timeout taking four of the next five points. Adding onto the run was seven straight more points pushing the lead to 22-17. The Wittenberg comeback fell short as Hiram evened it up at one set a piece winning 25-19.

Back-to-back kills by Kiara Franks saw Hiram score the first four points of set three. Wittenberg began their comeback claiming the next six points. The Tigers pushed ahead at a steady pace taking the third set by a score of 25-13.

The Tigers started set four at a quick pace going up 10-4 early on. After an Emily Richardson kill, Wittenberg score three more points making the score 13-5. Hiram would pick up three of four points that included a Franks kill as the team looked to make a move trailing 15-11. The home team had a strong close to the fourth and final set taking six of the final seven points winning 25-17.

Seniors Kiara Franks and Kayla Cole led the team with 13 and 12 kills. Emily Chrustic was the lone Terrier to reach double digits in assists with 20. Mackenzie Brannon led the defensive effort with 20 digs with Cole right behind her at 18.

With the loss the team drops to 8-7 on the year and 0-1 in NCAC play. 

Hiram has a quick turnaround playing at DePauw on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m., as the team continues their weekend NCAC road trip.