ALMA, Michigan - September 21, 2024 - Hiram fell to Alma in three sets to wrap up its two-match trip to Michigan on Saturday morning: 25-19, 25-22, 25-21.

Despite the loss, the Terriers again kept pace with their opposition, staying within striking distance thanks to a balanced offense and a defense that combined for 10 total blocks, which tied a season-high.

Sydney Wenzel led the team in kills (eight) for the second straight match, while Cate Maguire and Emily Richardson each added seven kills of their own. Maguire and Richardson also showed their athleticism in the blocks department, posting six and four total blocks respectively.

Hiram rallied back from a five-point deficit in the first set, scoring three consecutive points to cut it to a 19-18 hole. Alma then scored six of the next seven points to take a 1-0 lead in the match. Maguire and Richardson combined for seven of the Terriers' 14 kills in the opening set, which also included the team's best hitting percentage of the match.

The Terriers had fewer attack errors than the Scots in the second set; the team's 4-0 run in the early stages carved out a 5-4 lead. Alma found its form in the closing moments of the set, scoring nine of the last 11 points to take control, 2-0, in the match.

Hiram continued to fight in the third set, as the trio of Wenzel, Maguire and Richardson fueled the offense behind the setting abilities of Kelly Hoffman and Tori Burdette. Alma led by just two points, 21-19, before closing the set on a 4-2 run to secure its third win of the year.

The Terriers will return to the court on Wednesday, when they travel to Pittsburgh, PA for a non-conference battle with Chatham. The match is slated for a 7 p.m. start.