SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Looking to recreate the magic that gave the squad a thrilling five-set victory in the season opener for No. 14 Hastings College yesterday, the No. 19-ranked Corban University volleyball team fell in four sets to No. 11-ranked Dordt University on Thursday evening (25-22, 22-25, 25-15, 25-19).

"Tonight, we came out a little flat and made too many unforced errors," said head coach Kim McLain after the defeat. "Volleyball is a game of runs, and we just couldn't get in system to terminate. We are excited to bounce back for big matches this weekend."

The two squads traded three-point victories in sets one and two. However, Dordt jumped out to an 8-2 lead and never looked back in the third game, claiming a 25-15 triumph in what would prove to be a momentous stanza. The hometown Defenders withstood a late Warrior push to close out the win in set four, sealing a season-opening victory in front of a large crowd at the De Witt Gym.

The Defenders' strong presence at the net—spurred on by Ally Krommendyk, Jori Bronner, and Jessi De Jager—gave the Warriors difficulties all night, with Dordt earning 15 points off blocks to Corban's three.  

Equally impressive on the offensive end, Dordt hit at an exceptional .320 clip in the triumph, highlighted by standout performances from Corrina Timmermans (16 kills, .452 attack percentage) and De Jager (11 kills, .444 attack percentage).

Cassie Cunningham led the way for the Navy and Gold, registering 15 kills on a .219 attack percentage. Additionally, Avari Ridgway and Sarena Bartley added nine kills and seven putaways, respectively. Jadyn Mullen (24 assists) and Cierra Leopoldino (12 assists) did the bulk of the distributing, combining for 36 of the team's 40 total assists.

Miscues would play a significant factor in the defeat, as the Warriors racked up 27 attacking errors, a luxury for a squad of Dordt's caliber.

It won't be long until Corban (1-1) will have an opportunity to avenge the loss, however, as the Warriors will meet up with the Defenders (1-0) again tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. CST as part of the Red Raider Classic. The contest will be the first of two for the Navy and Gold, with No. 7 Northwestern College slated for the nightcap (8:30 p.m. CST) of tomorrow's high-powered doubleheader.