HAMMOND, Ind.—University of Southern Indiana Volleyball suffered a pair of setbacks on the opening day of the 13th annual Midwest Region Crossover, first dropping a 25-23, 25-15, 25-21 decision to Trevecca Nazarene University before falling to Ashland University, 25-20, 23-25, 25-17, 26-24.
 
The Screaming Eagles (11-8) were held to a .070 attacking percentage in their loss to Trevecca Nazarene. The Trojans hit .318 as a team and had seven blocks as USI lost its third straight match.
 
Freshman outside hitter Abby Bednar (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) had nine kills to lead the Eagles, while fellow classmate Abby Weber (Fishers, Indiana) had four kills and four aces.
 
USI rallied from a one-set deficit to tie Ashland at a set apiece in the nightcap, but Ashland won nine of the final 11 rallies in the third set to earn an eight-point win and retake a one-set lead. USI rallied from a four-point deficit in the fourth set, using a 5-0 run to grab a two-point advantage.
 
The Eagles had a chance to force a deciding fifth frame with a set-point opportunity moments later, but Ashland won three straight points to seal the victory with a two-point win.
 
Bednar finished with 16 kills and 16 digs to lead the Eagles, while freshman outside hitter Taya Dazey (Fort Wayne, Indiana) finished with a career-high 12 kills and 11 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Leah Anderson (Bloomington, Illinois) had 11 kills, while senior setter Casey Cepicky (St. Louis, Missouri) and senior libero Callie Gubera (Thorntown, Indiana) respectively had 40 assists and 15 digs.
 
USI returns to action Saturday at 12:45 p.m. when it wraps up the Midwest Region Crossover against Grand Valley State University.