WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace's volleyball team defended its home court with a 3-1 victory over St. Francis on Saturday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

The Lady Lancers improved on the season to 13-3 and 4-0 in the Crossroads League.

The first set began with a 9-5 lead by the Cougars (6-6, 2-2 CL). St. Francis held a slight lead at 18-13 to force Grace's second timeout of the set. Grace rallied back after that point to force extra points. There were one-point increments by each team down the stretch with multiple back-to-back sideouts. Tension and excitement was high, but the Lancers barely lost with a final score of 27-25.

Still carrying enthusiasm over from the first set, the second set began with three amazing plays in a row: a kill by middle blocker Tori Bontrager on a Cougar overpass, outside hitter Calah Kruse hitting a kill off of a great set, and a block on the right side by Bontrager. Both teams were neck and neck until 7-7, when the Lancer's continued to enhance their game until they finished with a final score of 25-18.

The third set started with a kill by Kruse on the first set. There were a few long rallies between the teams and some nice serves and even an ace from Sara Miller. The scores were fairly even throughout most of the game: 8-8, 14-13, and 17-16. Grace took a lead at 22-17 and finished the score 25-20.

Positivity from the Lady Lancers going into the last set was unmatched by the Cougars. Kills, digs and multiple aces made energy soar throughout the arena with a 24-11 score, and the game was ultimately won at 25-15.

Kaitlin Kerrigan impressed with 14 kills on a .407 percentage to go along with 12 digs. Grace Woolsey tallied 7 kills, 3 aces, 1 solo block and 7 block assists, and Kruse had 10 kills and nine digs.

Hannah Clemmons led all players with 23 digs, Sara Miller had 12 digs, and Bontrager finished with six block assists.

The Lady Lancers' next match is on the road on Wednesday at Mt. Vernon Nazarene.