The Capital University volleyball team mounted a strong comeback in the first set of its match Saturday but was unable to pick up another set in a 23-25, 25-13, 25-21, 25-22 setback at John Carroll in an Ohio Athletic Conference affair at University Heights, Ohio.

Sophomore right side hitter Olivia Arledge (Chillicothe, Ohio) led the Crusaders (12-10 overall, 0-2 OAC) with 13 kills. Freshman outside hitter Hanna Ewart (Wichita, Kan.) totaled six kills, while freshman outside hitter Courtney McCracken (Newark, Ohio) added five.

Sophomore setter Katie Weilbacher (Grove City, Ohio) contributed with a team-high 22 assists along with 10 digs for a double-double. Sophomore libero Natalie Briggs (Pataskala, Ohio) and junior defensive specialist Kelly Leonard (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded 14 and 13 digs, respectively, to lead the defense.

Trailing 11-6 in the opening frame, Capital stormed back, tying the contest at 14-14 and eventually taking a 16-14 lead on the serve of sophomore defensive specialist Becca DeWitt (Springfield, Ohio).

The Blue Streaks (13-7, 1-1) retook the advantage at 21-18 before the Crusaders rallied again to level the match at 21-all. Capital won four of six points, including two on McCracken's serve, to conclude the set and claim the early lead.

John Carroll jumped out to a 7-1 led in the second set and didn't look back to tie the set score at 1-1. In the third, the Crusaders erased another early deficit to tie the frame at 15-15, but the Blue Streaks quickly regained the lead and held off a late Capital rally, winning the final three points of the set.

The Crusaders jumped out to a 9-2 advantage in the fourth on the serves of freshman middle hitter Kristin Bender (Fremont, Ohio) and DeWitt, but John Carroll made two long runs to tie the match at 15-15.. The Blue Streaks closed the set with consecutive points to end the match.

Capital hit .123 (37-23-114) in the match, compared to .219 (61-29-146) for John Carroll.

The Crusaders continue OAC play Wednesday at Heidelberg. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Tiffin, Ohio.