SPRINGFIELD – The College of Wooster volleyball team put together some significant runs but could not defeat the top team of the North Coast Athletic Conference on Wednesday, falling to Wittenberg University 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-21).
 
In the first set, Wittenberg built its lead early with six straight points to go up 8-2. It wasn't until Wooster trailed 19-9, they forged their attempt at a comeback.
 
The Scots went on a mini run to cut the deficit to five at 19-14, forcing a Wittenberg timeout. Catherine Muzilla collected a pair of aces in that span. The closest Wooster got was at 21-17, but Wittenberg would win out to take the set 25-17.
 
Set two saw a similar trajectory with Wittenberg holding a 10-point lead at 21-11, before Wooster embarked on an 8-0 run to cut Wittenberg's lead to two. This time, Wooster got to within one point after two straight points, highlighted by an MC Werth kill, to make it 24-23.
 
Unfortunately, the Scots ran out of time as Wittenberg was able to clinch the set with the 25th point off a deciding kill from Clare O'Malley.
 
In set three, Wittenberg was unable to get out to a huge lead like sets before. Wooster hung tight with the Tigers and found themselves trailing by one late at 20-19. From there, Wittenberg strung together a couple points twice and eventually won the set and the match.
 
Wooster's kill leaders were Caitlin Walsh-Knouff (7), Tamarra Talbert (5) and Werth (4). Kennedy Muhlenkamp led the team with 15 assists and tied Muzilla with two aces. Muzilla, meanwhile, led the way with 17 digs.
 
O'Malley's 10 kills led the Tigers. Mary Sulfridge collected a game-high 24 assists and Ava Golem made 17 digs.
 
Wittenberg (12-10, 6-0 NCAC) claimed a share of the NCAC title with the win, while Wooster (9-13, 1-5 NCAC) will wrap up its NCAC schedule Saturday with a trip to John Carroll University.