KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The University of Southern Indiana volleyball team rallied from a two-game deficit Saturday, but fell behind early in the fifth and deciding game as No. 16 Rockhurst University defeated the Screaming Eagles 30-22, 30-22, 27-30, 27-30, 15-10.

After swinging momentum into their favor with victories in games three and four, the Screaming Eagles (16-10, 8-7 GLVC) saw the Hawks reel off eight straight points to start the fifth game.

USI battled back as it closed the gap to 12-9, but Rockhurst scored three of the next four points to close the door on the Eagles' comeback attempt.

The Eagles also saw large leads in games one and two evaporate as the Hawks reeled off a 22-6 run to close game one and worked their way out of a 5-0 deficit in game two to grab the two-game advantage.

Senior outside hitter Chelse Doubler (Griffin, Indiana) led the Eagles with a career and match-high 26 kills, while fellow classmate Emily Ryan (Batesville, Indiana) had 18 kills and a career-high-tying 21 digs.

Junior middle blocker Molly Rahman (Ferdinand, Indiana) chipped in 14 kills and a .357 attacking percentage, while junior setter Stephanie Wilson (Terre Haute, Indiana) finished with 60 assists and 14 digs.

Freshman middle blocker Ashley Henricks (Greenwood, Indiana) had six blocks, while senior libero Amanda Probst (Wheeler, Illinois) had four service aces and 22 digs. Freshman outside hitter Courtney Bealor (LaPorte, Indiana) also had four service aces to go with 13 digs.

Despite the loss, the Eagles clinched a berth in the GLVC Tournament, which begins November 2 in Edwardsville, Illinois.

USI finishes the regular season October 28 when it hosts Kentucky Wesleyan College at the Physical Activities Center. The Eagles will honor their four seniors—Doubler, Probst, Ryan, and senior outside hitter Megan Wollin (St. Peter, Illinois)—prior to the 3 p.m. start as part of the Senior Day festivities.