The University of Redlands women’s volleyball team played its best match of the weekend in a 2-3 loss to No. 6 Trinity University (TX) at the Puget Sound Premier on Sept. 6.

Facing some of the most talented teams in the nation, the Bulldogs dropped to 0-4, playing No. 7 University of Puget Sound (WA), No. 5 University of La Verne and No. 12 Cal State East Bay before taking on the sixth-ranked Tigers.

Redlands took the first two games by scores of 26-24 and 25-13, looking primed for an upset victory against a top-notch Trinity team. The Tigers eventually fought back and won the final three games, taking them by scores of 25-13, 25-14 and 25-12.

Offensively, the Bulldogs matched the Tigers. Junior outside hitter Ali Massei (San Carlos, CA) led Redlands with 15 kills, which stands as her career best. Sophomore outside hitter Jackie Hamilton (Loma Linda, CA) and sophomore middle blocker Megan Phillips (Vista, CA) had 13 kills apiece.

Junior setter Kelina Smith (Kurtistown, HI) and freshman setter Alison Light (Wildomar, CA) split the assist load. Smith contributed 31 assists while Light recorded 12.

On defense, junior defensive specialist Lauren Harding (Altadena, CA) compiled a whopping 35 digs, leading both teams in the statistical category. Harding also blasted a game-high four aces as well.

For her defensive efforts, Harding earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.

The Bulldogs take a weeklong break before facing off against No. 12 Cal State East Bay, Willamette University (OR), Wheaton College (MA) and UC Santa Cruz at the Cal-Lu-Fornia Tournament in Thousand Oaks. Redlands takes on Cal State East Bay first on Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m.