The Lancaster Bible College women's volleyball team returned to North Eastern Athletic Conference play on Friday night as the Chargers lost to the NEAC's best team, SUNY Polytechnic, 3-1 at Horst Athletic Center. The Chargers dropped to 5-10 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while the Wildcats improved to 11-6 overall and 7-1 in NEAC action.

How it Happened: After dropping the first set, 25-16, the Chargers appeared destined to lose the second set as they trailed, 14-2 at one point. Lancaster Bible turned the momentum quickly however and won 15 of the next 18 points to tie the set at 17-17. The set remained tight and eventually got to 23-23, but a kill by Emily Olson and a service ace from Natalie Kennedy clinched the set and tied the match at 1-1.

The third set went back-and-forth and once again was tied at 23-23 late in the set. It was SUNY Polytechnic this time that won the final two points as a kill from Ryenn Smith and a Lancaster Bible error gave the set to the Wildcats. SUNY Polytechnic led in the fourth set, 16-11, but another Lancaster Bible scoring run eventually tied the match at 21-21. Two straight errors by SUNY Polytechnic gave Lancaster Bible a 23-21 lead, but the Chargers could not hold it and the Wildcats tied the match at 24-24 on a Lancaster Bible service error. An attack error by the Chargers and a kill from Emma Larson sealed the match for the Wildcats who took sole possession of first place in the NEAC.

By the Numbers: SUNY Polytechnic led in kills, 48-47, while the Chargers had 68 digs to SUNY Polytechnic's, 58...Ryenn Smith led all players with 19 kills, while teammate Emma Larson added 17 kills...Lancaster Bible was led by Alyssa Bowen who had 15 kills and four blocks, while Ashtyn Bouslog had 12 kills and 16 digs...Hannah Gipe had 11 kills and 13 digs and Allison Shuey had 41 assists and four digs...Erin Harkey chipped in with five kills and 10 digs...Myranda Kemrer had a match-high 19 digs.

The Coach Says: "I thought we served well tonight and showed lots of persistence," Lancaster Bible Head Coach Lauren Bewley said. "I think playing a good team like this shows that we have made some good strides this season, but there are still things we can work on, specifically finishing points, sets and matches."

Information Hodge Podge: Lancaster Bible is now 3-4 all-time against SUNY Polytechnic...The Chargers are 1-4 at home this season.

Up Next: The Chargers face Morrisville State (12 p.m.) and SUNY Cobleskill (2 p.m.) on Saturday at Penn St. Berks.