The Lancaster Bible College women's volleyball team wrapped up the home portion of their schedule on Thursday night, earning a split in their tri-match with Grace Bible College (Mich.) and Goucher College.

In the opener with the Tigers, LBC came out strong and won long rallies to take the opening set 25-16. The same formula, as well as nine aces, worked the second and third sets as the Chargers swept Grace 25-16, 25-14, 25-18.

Freshman Lauren Heliger led the Chargers with 10 kills and eight digs. Sophomore Elissa Hunsberger added eight kills, seven digs and 10 assists.

"We were thankful to be able to play another NCCAA team, specifically one that isn't in our region," Charger Head Coach Lauren Mable said.

Mable was also pleased with her team's focus during their first match.

"We kind of knew our tougher match was going to be with Goucher, but at the same time, we had to stay focused and make plays against Grace," Mable said. "Lauren Robertson took advantage of some good sets and had some big kills for us."

In the nightcap, Goucher jumped out to a 1-0 lead before LBC (15-13) fought back and won a dramatic second set 26-24. Leading 24-19, the Chargers allowed the Gophers to tie it at 24-24 before winning the final two points.

Goucher (14-11) came out of the break and established themselves once again and began to wear down the Chargers. The won the final two sets 25-20, 25-15 for the 3-1 victory.

Goucher's Claire Sauvage-Mar had 40 assists and three kills to lead the Gophers. Megan Smith added 17 kills, many of which won long rallies for the visitors, to pace Goucher.

LBC's Brittney Becker led the Chargers with 17 digs and five kills. Freshman Jenae Almas added seven kills and 12 digs.

"I was very impressed with our play against Goucher," Mable said. "We played together and we played with confidence."

Mable said the team's growth from the beginning of the season to now was apparent during the final game.

"To earn five points at the end of that fourth game was huge for us," Mable said. "Down 24-10, we could have given up, but we fought for those points and it shows how far we have come mentally this season."

Mable said Goucher's ability to wear down LBC was the difference.

"We have a lot of respect for Goucher," Mable said. "They have some good volleyball players and we simply ran out of steam against them."

LBC will wrap-up their regular season on Saturday when they play a tri-match at Washington College. The Chargers will face McDaniel at 2:00 p.m. and Washington at 4:00 p.m.

There will be a live stats link to both of the matches. Under the schedule page, simply click on "details" next to each match and follow the link.