Mankato, Minn. – The Crown volleyball team suffered three heartbreaking losses over the weekend, losing twice in five games and once in four.  Crown played all three matches at Bethany Lutheran, with the tilt against the Vikings counting as a conference game, and two matched against Northland and North Central classified as non-conference.

On Friday night, Crown met North Central, splitting the first four games and setting up a decisive fifth game.  The Rams took control with a pair of 5-0 runs during that set, clinching a 3-2 victory.

Crown hit a disappointing -.016% for the match, with 36 kills and 39 attacking errors.  Katie Hinkle led the way with 10 kills and a .259 hitting percentage, adding two service aces and a block.  Taylor Urcuyo continued to excel in the libero role, leading the team with 21 digs.

Saturday saw an early morning clash with the Vikings followed by a second non-conference game against Northland College.

Crown took the opening game, but couldn't maintain that momentum, dropping the next three games to lose the match 3-1.

Hinkle once again led the way with eight kills, on just 11 attempts, while Urcuyo recorded 18 digs.  Miranda Brueggeman contributed six kills and 11 digs to the cause.

Another five setter would be in store for the evening session, with Crown jumping out to a two games to none lead before dropping three straight to lose in five for the second time on the weekend. 

Alayna Kohler joined Hinkle with eight kills to lead the team and also contributed 19 digs in an impressive performance for the freshman.  Urcuyo once again led the defense with 23 digs, while Kelsey Roschen had a team high 16 assists. 

The team's 14 total blocks, including five from Hinkle weren't enough, though, as a tough weekend came to an end.

Crown will welcome Bethany Lutheran to campus on Tuesday night for a 7 p.m. match.