ST. PETER, Minn. – The Macalester College volleyball team battled 16th-ranked Gustavus in a MIAC match before falling, 26-24, 25-8, 25-17 Wednesday night at Gus Young Court. The Scots are now 6-8 overall and 1-2 in the conference, while the Gusties improve to 14-3, 3-0 MIAC.

Macalester played well in the first set in building a 19-16 lead. Gustavus tallied seven of the next eight points to take a 23-20 edge, but a kill and an ace by junior outside hitter Adisa Preston (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie) helped to pull the Scots even, 23-23. Sophomore right side Avery Rahe (Olathe, Kan./Olathe West) answered a Gustavus kill with one of her own to make the score 24-24, only to have the Gusties close out the set with two straight points to win 26-24. Preston and sophomore outside hitter Grace Watkins (San Angelo, Texas/Georgetown) each had five kills in the first set.

The Scots managed just three kills in a 25-8 loss in the second set. In the third set Macalester stayed close early, getting four kills from Preston to lead 10-9. After Gustavus responded with five consecutive points for a 14-10 advantage, the Scots never came closer than two points the rest of the way in a 25-17 defeat.

Preston finished with a team-best 10 kills to go with seven digs, while Watkins added eight kills. First year setter Hannah Morrow (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook) tallied 18 assists and nine digs, with junior libero Torrance Williams (Houston, Texas/Yes Prep Northbrook) leading the defense with 14 digs. Lauren Klaith paced the Gusties with 16 kills.

Macalester steps out of conference play to participate in a tri-match at UW-Platteville on Saturday, Sept. 30. The Scots take on Carroll University at 2:30 p.m. before facing the host Pioneers at 4:30 p.m. in Platteville, Wis.