The University of Redlands volleyball team returned to action on Friday night, taking on the visiting Panthers of Chapman University in a Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) showdown in Currier Gym.  The Bulldogs battled through each set but struggled to overcome the diverse attack of the opponents, resulting in a straight-set defeat by scores of 20-25, 17-25, and 16-25. 

The teams exchanged punches on offense, forcing both sides to step up their defensive answers.  However, Chapman adapted more effectively by rattling off a few more kills and blocks than the Maroon and Gray.

Redlands gained 13 kills from senior outside hitter Morgan Buckner (San Rafael, CA) and 11 from sophomore middle blocker Marisa Gile (Yucaipa, CA).  Sophomore outside hitter Haili Hannah (San Diego, CA) provided a spark of offense off the bench, collecting five kills on the night.

Freshman setter Ellie McLeod (Redlands, CA) distributed the ball for the Bulldogs, earning 29 assists.  Buckner also led the defensive effort with 14 digs, while senior libero Brittney Overgaag (Palm Desert, CA) supplied 11 and junior defensive specialist Courtney Johnson (Dana Point, CA) came up with 10.

The Panthers saw impressive numbers from junior middle blocker Val Geiger (Palos Verdes, CA), who knocked down a match-high 18 kills on an impressive hitting percentage of .516.

Redlands (5-13, 2-8 SCIAC) looks forward to a change of pace when it travels to San Antonio, TX, for the Trinity Invitational on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19.  Check www.goredlands.com for a complete schedule of the Bulldogs' matches.