CALIFORNIA, Pa. - Despite a strong opening and a first set win, the IUP women's volleyball team dropped a four-set decision on the road to Cal U Friday night at the Convocation Center.

The Crimson Hawks (15-14, 5-8) hit .344 in the first set to outduel the Vulcans for a 25-23 victory. Cal U then fired back with wins of 25-13, 26-24, and 25-17. 

Brooke Little continued her recent strong play with a team-high 13 kills on 31 attacks, hitting .258 on the night. She added two block assists defensively. Nicole Peterson added 12 kills on 30 attacks with seven digs and Stefania Anagnostou tallied eight kills with no errors on 25 attacks. 

Anagnostou, Bailey Flowerdew, and Lexi Hraga each had 11 digs. Leah Henderson dished out 30 assists. 

The Vulcans (12-10, 7-6) bounced back in the second set to hit .417 to tie the match at 1-1. They outhit IUP over the final two sets a combined .210 to .069 and tallied 14 service aces on the evening. 

Both teams remain in a battle for a PSAC tournament spot although the loss did put the Hawks further behind in the race as Cal U swept the regular season series. With the matches to play, the Vulcans hold onto the final spot with a 7-6 divisional record. Mercyhurst is 6-7 while Pitt-Johnstown is 5-7 and IUP is 5-8. 

Up next
IUP remains on the road this weekend and will face Slippery Rock Saturday afternoon.

Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPAthletics.com and follow IUP women's volleyball on Twitter @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPVB.