UPLAND, Ind.- The Goshen College Women's Volleyball Team traveled to compete against conference foe Taylor University on Wednesday. Taylor has proven to be a battle for Goshen in years past (last defeated the Trojans in 1991) and this year was no different. The Leafs fought hard, but in the end left with a 0-3 loss to the Trojans.

Leading the Lady Leafs on the night were sophomores Sam Heberling (Mishawaka, IN.) with 10 kills and Missy Mackowiak (North Liberty, IN) with 14 digs as well as junior setter Stacy Wyse (Archbold, OH) with 22 assists. The trio has been putting up big numbers all season and that continued on Wednesday.

"We came close on two of the sets," said head coach Jim Routhier of the match, "We were ahead in the first set and then the girls went away from the offense and ended up on the short end. In the third set, we were down eight points and we scraped our way back to tie the game at 23. We have some things to work on, but I was really pleased with the new defense and the effort our girls put into the match. We did not back down nor were we intimidated at all."

Being the first conference match of the season, Goshen came out hard with the goal of a win, but in the end Taylor took the match, winning sets at 23-25, 17-25, and 23-25. It was a disappointing loss for the Leaf,s however, a tough fight was put forth in the first and third games to give make Taylor work for the win.

The Maple Leafs now stand at (4-6) overall and (0-1) in conference play. Goshen hosts another conference team, Indiana Wesleyan (ranked #7 in the NAIA national polls) at 7:00 p.m. this Friday night.

Routhier spoke at the end of the game saying, "I think the team proved to themselves that we can play with anyone in the conference and beat them. I think we will surprise teams this year."

By: Lexi Kantz
Sports Information Intern