DUBUQUE, IOWA. - In the midst of a daunting stretch of North Central Community College Conference matches, the Madison College women's volleyball team found themselves in a grueling five-set affair out of conference, eventually falling in extra points against NAIA Clarke University (IA) JV. The WolfPack, coming off back-to-back matches against nationally-ranked opponents, rallied after dropping the first two sets to force a fifth before succumbing to the Pride, 25-21, 25-23, 17-25, 21-25, 18-16. The five-set setback is the second in as many weeks for the 'Pack, who were a perfect 10-0 against Clarke prior to Tuesday.

Madison College amassed 48 kills in the match, marking the second highest total of the season, and registered a .174 attack percentage. They also tallied 14 service aces, 68 digs, and a season-best 8.5 blocks.

Of the team's kills total, 38 of the 48 were credited to sophomore Paige Hostetler and freshman Tianna Sackett. Hostetler, who leads the nation in kills and kills per set, smashed 24 kills with six errors for a .281 hitting efficiency. The all-conference and all-region outside hitter fell one kill shy of matching her career high, but did notch her third consecutive double-double with 13 digs. She also contributed 2.5 blocks to the defensive effort.

Sackett, who played soccer and basketball in 2017-18 for Madison College, finished with 14 kills for her second highest total of the season, as well. The West Salem, Wisconsin, native had just three attack errors for a .314 hitting percentage, and matched Hostetler with 2.5 blocks.

Setter Olivia Darkow established a new career-best in assists with 44, while also picking up a pair of kills and three aces. Defensively, she collected 11 digs for her third consecutive double-double. Fellow second year Maddie Scalissi led the way in digs with 15, and freshman Kacee Kruczek added 14 digs and a team-leading four aces.

The WolfPack and Pride will play again in Madison on Thursday, October 4.

Up Next:

Madison College (10-8, 4-1) will play its third consecutive N4C match against a nationally-ranked opponent on Thursday when they travel to take on Joliet Junior College (14-10, 3-4). The WolfPack, who are currently unranked, swept the #10 Wolves in the home and league opener, 3-0, last month. Currently, the 'Pack is riding a 15-match win streak over JJC and owns a 20-2 edge in the all-time series. First serve in Joliet, Illinois, is at 6:00 p.m.

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