SAN MARCOS, Calif. – The Crimson Hawks carried the momentum early but couldn't hold on in a 3-set loss to eighth-ranked Nebraska-Kearney during the second day of the Cougar Classic Friday. IUP lost by scores of 25-21, 25-17 and 25-12.
 
The Crimson Hawks led for most of the opening set, including leads of 10-6 and 20-18. But with the score tied at 21-21 the Lopers reeled off four straight points to take a 1-0 lead in the match.
 
IUP hung tight in the second set, but gave way to a strong Nebraska-Kearney team that finished 33-4 a year ago.
 
Sophomore Madi Burns led IUP with seven kills on 14 attacks, hitting .429 for the match. Classmate Jasmine Raudys hit .625 with five kills and added two block assists. Setter Dominica Niccolai had 25 assists.
 
Marut moves up in the record books
Senior libero Jess Marut finished with seven digs as she tied Sarah Rosenberry (2001-04) for second all-time in IUP history with 1,752 for her career. Marut began the year in third place, 17 short of Rosenberry, and will look to move into sole possession of second tomorrow.
 
Emily Pany (2007-10) is IUP's all-time leader with 2,670 digs.
 
Cougar Classic
The Crimson Hawks fall to 0-2 at their season-opening Cougar Classic, hosted by Cal State San Marcos. They finish up the tournament Saturday with matches against sixth-ranked Lewis at 2 p.m. EST and Cal State Dominguez Hills at 7 p.m. EST.
 
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