The Case Western Reserve University volleyball team fell by a score of 3-0 to Washington University (Mo.) in the fifth place match at the 2021 University Athletic Association Championship on Saturday afternoon in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Spartans conclude the season at 13-14, while WashU improved to 18-9 on the campaign.

The Bears edged CWRU by scores of 28-26, 25-14 and 25-17.

The Spartans led early in the first set after a kill by senior middle blocker Maggie Sereika gave CWRU a 10-9 advantage. WashU rallied back to go on a 15-12 run to lead 24-22. After a kill by Sereika evened the score at 26-26, the Bears went on to score the final two points to win the set 28-26.

WashU took advantage of early leads in both the second and third set to secure the 3-0 match victory.

Statistically, junior outside hitter Gianna Lambert led the Spartan attack with 10 kills, while first-year outside hitter Rea Marfatia contributed nine. Junior Sara Rogers and first-year Ansley Yamaato split the setting duties as they tallied 18 and 12 assists, respectively.

Defensively, sophomore libero Alyssa Blessinger led the Spartans with 18 digs, while Rogers and Marfatia tallied 12 and 11, respectively.

Michaela Bach led the Bears with 21 kills, while Faith Phillips set up the WashU offense with 41 assists. Taryn Gurbach led the defense with 17 digs.