MARION, Ind. - Grace's volleyball team lost a top-25 battle in the Crossroads League Tournament semifinals on Wednesday.

No. 24 Grace fell in three sets on the road at No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan.

The Lancers will await their possession fate. Grace will be in strong consideration for an at-large berth to the 2024 NAIA National Championships. Grace is aiming for its first NAIA national tournament appearance in 23 years (2001) and second overall trip to NAIA Nationals.

On Wednesday, Grace's offense was unable to keep pace with IWU.

IWU gained a six-point edge midway into the first set at 15-9. But a well-placed timeout from head coach Katie Hill gave Grace a spark.

The Lancers rattled off an 8-1 run to charge back in front. Jadyn Ross had back-to-back kills to end the spree, putting Grace ahead 17-16.

But the Wildcats responded swiftly, winning nine of the next 10 points to claim the opening set.

Alisha Voss and Ross had three kills in the first set to lead Grace. IWU's offense was too strong in the set with a .204 percentage.

Grace began the second set with confidence. The Lancers kicked off the set with a 5-1 run, forcing the Wildcats to burn an early timeout.

IWU regained its footing with a 7-2 run, and they followed that up with a 9-2 run to propel in front.

The Wildcats eased away for a 25-19 win as Grace committed 12 attack errors.

Grace trailed early in the third set and found itself in a 15-10 hole. But the Lancers pounded out five unanswered points thanks to a kill from Voss and Anna Ballengee, leveling the score at 18s.

Shortly afterwards, consecutive kills from Ballengee and Sahara Bee pushed the Lancers on top 20-19, but Grace's momentum then ran out.

The Wildcats scored the final six points of the set to proceed to a 25-20 win and end the match.

Voss finished with nine kills and two solo blocks, and Ross had seven kills with five digs.

Ballengee notched six kills, Bee had four kills, and Livia Tate had two kills and two block assists.

Morgan Syoen ended the match with 19 assists and 14 digs, Riley Owens had 11 assists and eight digs, Liz Schmidt tallied 19 digs, and McKenzie Stakely added 11 digs.

If Grace were to qualify for the NAIA tournament, the NAIA Opening Round would be held on Nov. 23.