CALIFORNIA, Pa. – Sophomore Madi Burns had a team-high 11 kills in the Crimson Hawks' three-set loss at California (Pa.) Friday night at the Convocation Center.
 
IUP kept it tight with close losses in the first (25-20) and third (25-23) sets, but dropped the second set by a wide margin (25-10). The Crimson Hawks held a lead in that first set and two leads in the third, when they used a late 6-2 run to nearly force a fourth set.
 
California kept the division title in its sights, improving to 19-10 overall and 12-5 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) play. The Crimson Hawks dropped to 7-23 and 3-14.
 
It was Burns' second big outing against the Vulcans this year. She had a career-high 16 kills in IUP's five-set home victory over Cal back on October 11. Burns hit .208 on 24 total attacks tonight.
 
Senior libero Jess Marut finished with 13 digs and is now within six of moving into the top eight all-time in PSAC history.
 
Sophomore setter Dominica Niccolai had 23 assists and IUP's two service aces.
 
Up next
The Crimson Hawks wrap up their 2018 season Saturday at Seton Hill (20-8, 13-4). They'll have a chance to ruin the Griffins' shot at an outright division title as Seton Hill leads Cal in the Southwest by one game. Match time is 1 p.m.
 
Follow
For up-to-date game information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPVB.