ALLIANCE, Ohio – Led by several career-best performances, the Case Western Reserve University volleyball team outlasted Transylvania University (Ky.) in a five-set marathon on day one of the 2013 Purple Raider Classic at the McPherson Academic and Athletic Center.

The Spartans (5-5) wrap up the weekend tomorrow with matches versus Kalamazoo College (Mich.) at 10:30 a.m. and Hanover College (Ind.) at 12:30 p.m.

Transylvania (6-5) ran away with the first set 25-14 before Case claimed the second, 25-22. In the third, the Pioneers went back on top by a count of 25-18. However, the Spartans rallied to win the fourth, 25-20, and then took the decisive fifth, 16-14.

Junior middle hitter Natalie Southard (Buffalo, N.Y./City Honors School) led the attack with 14 kills versus just two errors in 33 attempts. Sophomore middle hitter Haley Kauffman (Hartville, Ohio/Lake) and freshman outside hitter Kenya Moyers (Garfield Heights, Ohio/Garfield Heights) each hit career highs with 11 and 10, respectively.

Freshman setter Lauren Gurd (Farmington Hills, Mich./Detroit Country Day) organized the offense with 51 kills.

Defensively, three Spartans finished with double-figure digs led by junior Jordan Genovese (Streetsboro, Ohio/Streetsboro) and freshman Kristen Mitchell (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Allegheny) with respective career-high totals of 11.

In the blocks, Kauffman posted one solo and three assists.

Following action tomorrow, the Spartans return home to host Heidelberg University on Tuesday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Horsburgh Gymnasium.