FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Lady Lions volleyball team finished the second day of the Onset Invitational with two defeats at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, falling to Rochester Christian in straight sets before dropping a heartbreaking five-set decision to Northwestern Ohio.

In the opening match, Bryan struggled throughout against Rochester Christian, dropping sets 25-27, 20-25, and 17-25. The team was unable to sustain momentum despite competitive play in the opening frame.

Shelby Kelly led Bryan's attack with 12 kills on 38 attempts, and also added 10 digs, while Ella Wheatcroft added 7 kills. Maya Gipson distributed 16 assists, and libero Avery Baxter recorded 8 digs in the losing effort. The loss highlighted areas where Bryan will need to improve, particularly in maintaining consistency during extended rallies.

The second match proved even more frustrating for Bryan as they fell 23-25, 25-23, 25-22, 13-25, 15-10 despite forcing a decisive fifth set.
Kelly was outstanding for Bryan with 24 kills on 65 attempts, and added 17 digs, posting her second double-double of the day. Bella Beard contributed 12 kills with a .321 hitting percentage and Maya Gipson facilitated the offense with 29 assists in the marathon contest. Bryan's defensive effort was anchored by five players reaching double figures in digs. Libero Avery Baxter paced the team with 24 digs, while Elise Brew contributed 19. Kaci Wade and Shelby Kelly each added 17 digs, and Maya Gipson rounded out the group with 11.

Bryan showed resilience by taking the second set and nearly stealing the third, but Northwestern Ohio's balanced attack proved too much. The match's turning point came in the fourth set when Bryan dominated 25-13 to force a fifth set. In the decisive frame, Bryan couldn't maintain their early momentum as Northwestern Ohio pulled away for the 15-10 victory.

"We competed hard and showed we can play with anyone, but we need to learn how to finish matches," said Coach Jessica Day. I'm proud of the girls, they stepped up, but we're not happy with our results. We will continue to work and get better each day to make sure we're ready for conference play."

Season Outlook
The 0-4 start was disappointing for Bryan, but all matches revealed positive signs for the program. The team demonstrated the ability to compete with quality opponents and showed fight in bouncing back after early deficits. Kelly's offensive production in both matches and Beard's efficient hitting against Northwestern Ohio, along with tremendous defensive performances by the Lady Lions, provide building blocks for future success. The team will need to focus on execution in crucial moments and maintaining energy throughout long matches.

Bryan will look to earn their first victory when they return to action on Tuesday in Lebanon, TN as they take on Cumberland University and Fisk University in a preseason tri-match.