FORT WAYNE, Ind. - On Saturday afternoon the University of Saint Francis Cougars (9-7; 3-1 Crossroads) played host to the Grace College Lancers (6-9; 1-3 Crossroads) at Hutzell Athletic Center and came away with a victory in three sets winning by scores of 25-17, 25-18, and 25-23 to improve to 3-1 in conference play.

The Cougars got off to a strong start opening the first set as they jumped out to an early 10-4 lead over the Lancers. Once the Lancers clawed their way back to close the deficit to one point, the Cougars responded with a four-point service run to regain a solid lead. Now ahead 24-17, an attack error by the Lancers sealed the deal in the opening frame for the Cougars winning by eight points.

Opening the second set the Cougars didn't skip a beat as they found themselves ahead 11-6 to open the frame, but the Lancers fought back to tie the score at 13. 

Despite Grace's resilience, the Cougars remained poised and determined to win. Now leading by just one at 17-16, Saint Francis pulled out all the strings to score on six of the next eight rallies to claim the set by seven and take a commanding two-game lead in the match. 

Heading into the third set, the Cougars were poised for a sweep, but the Lancers didn't go quietly. 

The Lancers rallied to take a 13-12 lead midway through the frame and both teams went back-and-forth through the next several rallies. Then the Cougars went on a three-point service run to take a four-point lead and never relinquished it as a kill by sophomore outside hitter Paige Fortkamp clinched the win for the Cougars as they earn their third straight win in conference play.

Throughout the match senior defensive specialist Maile Steckelberg led the team in digs with 15 while Fortkamp chipped in with 11 of her own. Freshman setter Jo Delsing led the way in assists with 13 while sophomores Alexa Sparks and Eliza Madden combined for 21 assists between the two, and the team-leader in kills were both Fortkamp and junior right side Haidyn Carrico each with 12. 

The Cougars resume play on Wednesday evening when they play host to the No. 19 Taylor University Trojans (15-3; 4-0 Crossroads) at Hutzell Athletic Center beginning at 7:00 pm.

Cougar fans, stay updated with all events and recaps with USF Athletics by visiting Saintfranciscougars.com or by downloading the Saint Francis Cougars app.