Box Score MARIETTA, Ohio – The Marietta College volleyball team opened play in the Pioneer Classic with a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Trine (Ind.) University Friday (Sept. 14) evening. The Thunder posted set scores of 26-24, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25 and 15-13. The Pioneers are 7-4 on the season and Trine improves to 9-2 overall.

Marietta held a 24-20 lead in the first set only to see the Thunder score the next six points to take the set 26-24. The Pioneers edged Trine in the second set to even the match. After splitting the next two sets, the match headed to a fifth and deciding set.

Following a 7-7 tie, the Pioneers scored the next five points to take a 12-7 lead. Trine responded with an 8-1 run to take the fifth set 15-13 and the match 3-2.

Junior outside hitter Paige DeVriendt (Bowling Green/Bowling Green) led the Pioneer attack with 15 kills. Sophomore middle blocker Rachel Hackenberg (Canal Winchester/Franklin Heights) had 10 kills and three blocks. Senior Alex VanGundy (Powell/Olentangy Liberty) chipped in with nine kills, while junior Kathryn Hanssen and freshman Keri Horton (Westland, Mich./Wayne Memorial) each had eight.

Sophomore setter Laura Mauer (Terre Haute, Ind./North) dished out a match-high 42 assists. Senior libero Jen Braun (Chagrin Falls/Kenston) and sophomore defensive specialist Brittney Merritt (Akron/Copley) recorded 21 and 14 digs, respectively.

Marietta finishes play in the Pioneer Classic tomorrow with a 12:30 p.m. match against Adrian (Mich.) College and a 2:30 p.m. contest with Hiram College.