GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -  The Davenport University women's volleyball team fell to No. 19 Grand Valley State in a four-set match at the DU Student Center on Saturday afternoon. The Panthers (6-5, 3-1 GLIAC)  secured the first set 25-22, but the Lakers (9-2, 4-0 GLIAC) rallied to win the next three sets 25-19, 25-18, 25-22. 

The first set began with a Morgan Tydings kill from Madison Berry's assist, followed by Hayley Carr's service ace, giving the Panthers an early 2-0 lead. The team continued to capitalize on the Lakers' errors, extending their advantage to 11-2 with contributions from Kaitlin Jordan and Abby Alan. GVSU responded with a series of successful plays, narrowing the gap to 12-11 midway through the set. However, Davenport maintained composure, with Amelia Werner and Berry combining efforts to widen the lead. Berry's service ace further solidified their position at 15-11. As the set drew to a close, DU held off a late surge from the Lakers, who closed in to 23-22. Key kills from Karley Pretzer and another Berry service ace secured the set for Davenport, finishing 25-22, and taking a 1-0 lead heading into the next set.

Davenport began the second set with a strong effort to counter Grand Valley's early momentum. Alan's kill and Berry's assist set the tone as Davenport worked to keep pace, closing the gap to 6-6. Davenport showed resilience midway through the set, with Werner and Tydings contributing key blocks to briefly regain the lead at 13-11. Despite Davenport's defensive stands and several kills by Tydings and Pretzer, the Lakers regained control. GVSU went on a decisive run, eventually closing the set at 25-19 in the Lakers' favor.

In the third set, the Panthers got out to an early 6-3 lead. However, the Lakers quickly responded, leveling the score at 8-8 with two consecutive service aces by Olivia Behen. As the set continued, Davenport managed to break the tie with kills from Pretzer and Sydney Swan, but the Lakers mounted a sustained offensive push. This run allowed them to create separation, moving ahead 15-11. Despite a late effort from Davenport with kills from Tydings and Alan, the Lakers closed the set at 25-18.

The final set began with Davenport's Alan and Jordan contributing kills to keep the match competitive. Pretzer managed multiple key kills to narrow the deficit, and Carr's service aces sparked a rally that tied the score at 13-13. Davenport briefly took the lead with Alan's offensive efforts, but the Lakers responded with a series of blocks and kills to regain control. Despite late kills from Alan and Pretzer, the Lakers capitalized on Davenport's errors to extend their lead. Ultimately, the Lakers sealed the set with a 25-22 victory.

Alan paced the DU offense, finishing with a team-high 14 kills to go along with five digs. Pretzer added 10 kills and three digs, while Berry recorded a match-high 36 assists. Defensively, Maggie Juncaj notched a team-high 15 digs for the Panthers. 

Up Next
The Panthers will travel to Chicago, Ill. to take on Roosevelt at 7 p.m. EST at the Goodman Center.