COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University volleyball fell in four sets to visiting Earlham College in their Wednesday night home opener. The Comets found themselves behind two sets after dropping the first two 25-14 and 26-24. Despite being in the hole, Capital battled back to take the third set 25-22 before ultimately settling short 25-17 in the fourth set. 

The visitors, who are now 3-2 on the year, hit a strong .239 on the night, landing 55 kills on 159 swings. On the other hand, Capital (1-3) landed just 41 kills on 168 attacks. All-in-all, the Quakers held the upper hand in all major statistical categories, leading to the end result on the scoreboard. 

In the third set for the Comets, the Purple and White created some separation at 18-15 after three straight points thanks to a kill from Samaree Perkins, a block from Larissa Smith and a service ace from Abby Brunner. That three-point edge would hold in one way or another as the Comets held on to claim the set win. The final points of the set came thanks to a Chloe Preocanin kill and an attacking error by the Quakers. 

At the end of the match, Capital's offense remained fairly balanced with Samaree Perkins leading the way in terms of kills, landing eight. She was followed by Sophia Sobota, Larissa Smith, and Chloe Preocanin who each landed seven kills. 

Bryn Whitmer and Kenadee Winters again shared setting duties with Whitmer setting up 19 assists and Winters dishing out 13 helpers. 

At the service line, Olivia Spillers served up two aces while Sobota and Abby Brunner each scored one ace. 

In the back row, Brunner led all players in the match with 26 digs. She was supported by three other Comets in double-digit digs – Sobota (15), Spillers (13) and Whitmer (11). Brunner's 26 digs now put her at 931 in her career, a number inching her closer to the career milestone of 1,000. 

At the net, Capital's front line defense recorded four total blocks – two each from Smith and Simone Daniel and one from Perkins. 

UP NEXT
Capital will remain home for their next five matches – four of which will take place Friday and Saturday of this week during the annual Pam Briggs Classic. Capital will co-host the tournament alongside Otterbein University. The pair of schools will welcome Franklin, Hanover, Westminster (Mo.), and Bethany to central Ohio for the two-day affair.