Northfield, MN — Crown volleyball dropped a 3-0 decision on the road at Carleton College on Wednesday night, falling in straight sets in the team's final tune-up before the start of conference play.
The Polars battled step for step with the Knights through the opening two sets, showing plenty of fight on the road. Set one came down to the wire before Carleton pulled away late for a 25-22 win. Crown responded with another competitive effort in the second set, once again keeping pace throughout before Carleton edged out a 25-22 victory to take a two-set lead.
Looking to extend the match, the Polars pushed into the third set but were unable to find the same rhythm. Carleton controlled the pace of play and closed out the sweep with a 25-17 win in the third.
Despite the result, Crown had bright spots at the net. Lauren Burnett paced the Polars with 11 kills, continuing her strong start to the season and providing a consistent offensive threat throughout the match. Brenna Mikulak added seven kills of her own, giving Crown a second reliable option on the attack.
The Polars also showed their strength at the front line defensively. Delaney Boone and Lily Duquaine each recorded three blocks, helping to slow down the Carleton attack and giving Crown chances to swing momentum in each set.
The Polars now shift their full attention to a much bigger stage. Crown will open UMAC conference play this weekend as part of Homecoming festivities on campus, hosting North Central University on Friday night in what is sure to be an electric atmosphere inside the gym.
