Jacksonville, Ill.: The DePauw University volleyball team came up short in its loss to Illinois College, losing in five sets(19-25, 24-26, 25-13, 25-23, 16-18) after being down two sets to none.

In its first match of the season, the Tigers took some time to find its rhythm, dropping the first set 19-25. Though DePauw and Illinois College had seven ties and three led changes in the first set, the Lady Blues recorded 13 kills to the Tigers six.

In the second set, Jessica Levy recorded five of the 13 kills, while Jenna Purichia led the team with seven digs in the set. Despite its efforts, however, the Tigers still committed seven errors throughout the set, losing set two 24-26.

Down by two sets, DePauw came out swinging in the third set. The Tigers recorded nine kills, just three errors, and out-blocked the Lady Blues 6-1, resulting in an attacking percentage of .214. DePauw would extend the match after a dominating 25-13 win in set three.

After holding Illinois College to just 13 points in the previous set, the Tigers and Illinois College traded points in the fourth set. With three ties and three lead changes, DePauw's team effort kept the Tigers on top, resulting in a nail-biting 25-23 victory in set four.

In the match's final set, the Lady Blues and DePauw were neck and neck, with neither team able to pull away. Despite the Tigers' efforts to stay just a couple of points behind Illinois College in the final set, the Lady Blues would finish set five with 12 kills and just one error, winning the set 18-16.

The Tigers look to bounce back next Saturday, March 20, at 2 pm EDT against Ohio Wesleyan.