FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Grace had seven more kills, eight more digs and five more block points than St. Francis on Saturday. But the Cougars executed when it mattered, trumping the Lady Lancers in five sets.

St. Francis won two of their three sets in extra points, including the climaxing 16-14 win in the fifth set.

The two sides were nearly inseparable over the first two sets as the Cougars (6-5; 2-1 Crossroads League) won 27-25 in set one, while the Lady Lancers (9-2; 1-2 CL) claimed a 25-23 win in set two.

The Cougars put Grace on the brink of early defeat with a six-point win in the third set, but Grace battled back with 17 kills and a .213 team hitting percentage in the fourth set to even the match.

In the fifth set, Grace went ahead 14-13 with a kill from Calah Kruse. But St. Francis ended the match by taking the next three points, winning 16-14.

Dana Johnston was the strongest offensive player in the match with 22 kills on a .429 percentage. She also added a solo block and four block assists.

Calah Kruse (33 digs) and Hannah Clemmons (31 digs) shattered their previous career highs in digs with Kruse pounding out 14 kills as well.

Megan Johnson finished with 12 kills, Kaitlin Kerrigan dug up 15 balls, and Alix Underwood had a hand in four block points.

The Lady Lancers' next league matches include playing at Marian on Wednesday and hosting Huntington on Friday.