The Misericordia University volleyball team fought hard against #5-ranked Eastern on Wednesday in the Anderson Center, keeping the final two sets close but ultimately losing 3-0 (25-11, 26-24, 25-19).

Eastern is now 20-1 with its only loss coming against #3 Juniata. But despite such formidable opposition, the Cougars were not intimidated and nearly stole a set, falling 26-24 in the second game.

The Eagles were able to close out the sweep but game three was also tight, ending in a score of 25-19.

Sophomore Cailin McCullion led the Cougars with seven kills and three service aces. She made no attack errors and had a .333 hitting percentage for the match.

McCullion added 12 digs while Shannon Kane had a team-high 16. Kane, a senior, also had 22 receptions.

Junior Meghan Hotaling had 10 assists while classmate Krystal Burford had a pair of blocks.

MU is 10-8 overall and 3-2 in the Freedom Conference. The Cougars face Philadelphia Bible and Cedar Crest in a tri-match on Saturday.