WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Kutztown University women's volleyball team won the opening set on Friday night and held a late lead in the third set, but fell to West Chester University, 3-1, in a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) match at Hollinger Field House.
 
Kutztown (6-22, 3-13 PSAC) trailed West Chester (20-8, 8-9) for the majority of the first set, but persevered and emerged with a 25-23 triumph in the frame.
 
The Golden Rams won the next three sets 25-14, 30-28, and 25-18.
 
Madison Brake (Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Bishop Hartley) recorded a team-high 11 digs, and moves into a tie for 10th in KU history for digs in a single season (424). She also tied her career-high with three service aces.
 
Audrey Stringer (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury) finished with 13 kills and three blocks, while Shannon Restrepo (Reading, Pa./Exeter Township) totaled 10 digs, 18 assists and four kills.
 
The third set on Friday night was the second longest of the season for the Golden Bears. They trailed 23-18, but battled back to take a 26-25 lead before ultimately falling short.
 
Jessica Howe (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg Area) totaled seven kills and five digs, and Tori Wakelee (Downingtown, Pa./Downingtown East) tallied six kills and four digs.
 
Freshman Niki Carpenter (King of Prussia, Pa./Upper Merion Area) recorded four kills, four digs, and a team-high five blocks. Anna Conti (Grove City, Ohio/Grove City) finished with 13 assists and nine digs.
 
The Golden Bears return to action on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Cheyney University at 1 p.m.