FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Wednesday evening the University of Saint Francis Cougars (13-11; 7-5 Crossroads) traveled to Mishawaka, Indiana to take on the Bethel University Pilots (17-7; 9-3 Crossroads) but fell in three straight sets by scores of 17-25, 13-25, and 18-25.

In the opening set, the Pilots set the tone when they put the Cougars in an 11-4 hole to start the frame. Throughout the remainder of the set the Cougars matched Bethel point-for-point but the early deficit was too much to overcome as they dropped the opener by eight.

Matters didn't get any better for the Cougars in the second set.

Saint Francis fell behind 6-0 to open the frame and a second six-point service run by the Pilots was more than enough as Bethel prevailed by 12 in the second set, putting the Cougars in dire straits.

The third set started as more of a back-and-forth battle as both teams exchanged scores and leads. But then with the score tied at 12, the Pilots scored on three straight rallies to put the Cougars into another hole.

The third frame progressed but the Cougars kept fighting. The Pilots though proved too resilient as they claimed the third frame by seven as the Cougars suffered the tough loss.

Throughout the match, senior defensive specialist Maile Steckelberg led the Cougars in digs with eight, while sophomore outside hitter Addison Shafer led the way in kills with seven, and sophomore setters Alexa Sparks and Eliza Madden combined for 21 assists.

The Cougars resume play on Friday evening when they travel to LaCrosse, Wisconsin to compete in the 2022 Viterbo University Invitational with their first two games Friday evening at 4 pm and then at 6 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.