FROSTBURG, Md. – Competing in its first NCAA Tournament action in school history, the Case Western Reserve University volleyball team battled to the end but dropped a 3-2 decision to SUNY-Cortland during regional play on Friday, November 12 at Frostburg State University.

The Spartans' season ends at 24-11 overall. SUNY-Cortland improves to 34-7 and advances to round two tomorrow.

Cortland State won sets one and two by scores of 26-24 and 25-18, respectively. Case refused to go away and won sets three and four, 25-23 and 25-17. But with the deciding set tied at 11, SUNY reeled off four straight points to win the match.

Junior middle hitter Tricia McCutchan (Hamilton, OH/Stephen T. Badin) and junior outside hitter Rachael Suchy (Venetia, PA/Peters Township) led the attack with 19 kills apiece. Sophomore Bre Freeman (Geneva, OH/Geneva) set the offense with 52 assists and contributed 13 digs to the defense. Sophomore libero Rachel Gulasey (Cleveland, OH/Magnificat) led the defense with 25 digs.

Despite the loss, the Spartans conclude one of, if not the most successful season in school history. In addition to the program's first NCAA Tournament berth, the team also earned its best finish (fourth) in the University Athletic Association, posted an 11-match win streak, and beat the No. 1 team in the nation, Washington University (MO). Case also placed three players on the prestigious All-UAA team.