The Lindenwood volleyball team will not object if it does not have to face another American Midwest Conference team for the rest of the year. The Lions struggled to execute and dropped a 3-1 decision to visiting William Woods this evening. The loss was the third in a row to an AMC squad this year. 

Lindenwood put together a poor effort and fell to the visting Owls 25-20, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22.

William Woods took control early, racing out to a 5-1 lead in the first set. The Lions retaliated with four straight points of their own, fueled by Erin Anselman's two kills. With the game tied at eight, the Owls strung together five straight points forcing a Lindenwood timeout. The home team responded with an 8-5 run sparked by Kelsey Jo Vogler's two kills. Unfazed, the Owls countered with 7-4 run to close out the game. 

The Lions jumped ahead quickly in game two, taking a 6-4 lead. From there, neither team was able to assert itself, trading points until the score stood at 16-15 in favor of Lindenwood. Outside hitter Ellen Fandry ignited a quick 3-0 run forcing a William Woods' timeout. Leading 19-16, Patricia Erb converted a service ace and the Lions pulled away for a 25-19 victory. 

Game three saw the Owls stymie a late Lindenwood comeback. Neither team led by more than three until the Owls surged ahead, 19-13. Forced to call a timeout, Lindenwood rallied behind strong play from freshmen Kelsey Kennedy and Jessica Boyd. Kennedy netted two kills and Boyd made several keys plays that forced a 21 all tie after a William Woods hitting error. The Owls converted the next point, only to watch Krista Yoder tie the game at 22. Boyd appeared to put the Lions ahead for good with a pivotal kill, but William Woods responded with two quick points. Facing game point, the Lions watched as the Owls' serve grazed the net and quickly fell to the floor, giving William Woods a 2-1 match lead. 

The visiting team appeared to have slammed the door on the Lions early in fourth set, opening a commanding 13-5 lead. Lindenwood battled back, at one point cutting the lead to two. Facing match point, the Lions watched as the Owls converted the game winner, completing the upset. 

For Lindenwood, Fandry led the team with 13 kills. Victoria Krause and Yoder each had 10. Alyssa Showers recorded 22 digs, her second straight match with 20 or more, and Erb tallied 14. Kelsey Biggs contributed with 44 assists. Fandry netted three blocks and Vogler had two. 

The latest NAIA poll was released earlier today, which saw Lindenwood (10-4, 1-0) slide down two spots to 22. The Lions must regroup as they travel to the Olivet Nazarene Tournament this weekend. Lindenwood opens play Friday afternoon against Indiana Wesleyan at 3:00 p.m.