The Case Western Reserve University volleyball team fell to Albion College 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-27, 25-19 and 12-15) on Friday night in Horsburgh Gymnasium to open play at the CWRU Tournament.

With the loss, CWRU dropped to 1-1 overall on the season. The Britons improved to 2-1 on the year with the win.

The Spartans were led on the attack by sophomore middle blocker Jennifer Ngo who tallied 20 kills. Junior outside hitter Gianna Lambert contributed 18 kills, while first-year outside hitter Rea Marfatia added 10 kills and 22 digs. Junior setter Sara Rogers rounded up 51 assists. In the back row for the Spartans, sophomore libero Alyssa Blessinger tallied a team-best 42 digs and Rogers contributed 20 throughout the match.

The Spartans jumped out to the early lead in the first set, as CWRU went up 11-4 after a kill by Marfatia. The Britons cut the lead to 22-20 late in the set, however the Spartans were able to hold on to the lead and close out the game at 25-23 after a kill by Marfatia.

Albion took the early lead in the second set, jumping out to a 4-0 lead. CWRU answered with a 12-7 run to take a 12-11 lead after a kill by first-year Chloe Maciejewski. The Britons then outscored the Spartans 13-7 to take a 24-19 lead. CWRU fought back with four straight points to cut the deficit to 24-23, but Albion held on for the 25-23 win.

CWRU dropped the third set, but came roaring back in the fourth set to take an early 5-0 lead. The Spartans continued that momentum throughout the set, en route to 25-19 victory.

The Spartans and Britons battled back and forth in the fifth set as the score was tied at 11-11. Albion then pushed out in front by scoring four of the next five points to clinch the match victory.

Case Western Reserve will wrap up play at the CWRU Tournament on Saturday, when the squad plays host to Bethany (W.V.) College at 10:00 a.m. and Earlham College at 2:00 p.m.