FORT WAYNE, Ind. – On Wednesday evening the University of Saint Francis Cougars (14-18; 7-9 Crossroads) faced a tough challenge when they traveled to Upland, Indiana to take on the No. 12 Taylor University Trojans (25-5; 14-2 Crossroads) and despite several close battles fell in three sets by scores of 25-18, 25-23, and 26-24.

In their previous match back at Hutzell Athletic Center, the Cougars rallied down 2-1 in the match to pull off the upset and were hoping for a repeat on Wednesday.

In the opening set the Cougars fell behind 4-1 early, but battled back to tie Taylor at nine, and were able to stay with the Trojans through most of the frame. But then a three-point service rally distanced the Trojans from the Cougars as they went on to claim the opening set by seven.

Heading into the second set, the Cougars answered back.

Saint Francis jumped out to a 7-1 lead and maintained their distance from the Trojans throughout the frame and led 22-16 late.

Unfortunately for the Cougars, the Trojans ran the table the rest of the way as they stormed back to go on an eight-point service run to overtake the Cougars at 24-22 and held on to win by two as the Cougars suffered a tough loss and found themselves down by two in the match.

Matters didn't get much better in the third set as the Cougars found themselves trailing 9-4 early on. But Saint Francis chipped away and pulled themselves to within a point on several occasions, but the Trojans managed to answer back each time.

Then late in the frame, the Cougars rallied and caught the Trojans tied at 22. Both teams then alternated points before the Trojans went on a three-point service run to claim the set by two and deal the Cougars the tough loss.

Throughout the match, sophomore outside hitter Paige Fortkamp led the team in kills with 10, while sophomore setter Alexa Sparks led the way in assists with 29, and senior defensive specialist Maile Steckelberg led the way in digs with 16.

The Cougars resume play on Friday evening when they return home to Hutzell Athletic Center to take on the Spring Arbor University Cougars (11-19; 1-14 Crossroads) beginning at 7 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.