(Ann Arbor, MI) The Cardinals returned to the court looking to improve their conference record as they host the Michigan Dearborn Wolverines. Despite a strong start, the Cardinals were unable to stop the surging Wolverines who won in five sets (25-15,25 -23, 17-25, 17-25, 12-15).

1^st Set – CUAA 25, UM-Dearborn 15

It was close in the beginning but the fierce attack from the Cardinals allowed them to start to pull away by as much as 22-11 against the Wolverines. The Cardinals were all over the court defensively and didn't let the Wolverine offense get into a rhythm. Kaitlin Veihl led the Cardinals with 10 assists and Lena Thompson had 4 kills for the Cardinals.

2^nd Set – CUAA 25, UM-Dearborn 23

The 2^nd set was a back and forth affair as the two teams went point for point for the majority of the set. The Wolverines started to go on a run and took a 20-14 lead which was the biggest lead up until this point. The Cardinals were forced to take a timeout to regroup. Following the timeout, the Cardinals went on a 11-3 run to pull off the comeback win in dramatic fashion. The Cardinals displayed grit and discipline to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match as they recorded 21 kills and 60 digs.

3^rd Set – CUAA 17, UM-Dearborn 25

The Wolverines showed tremendous fight and managed to win a hard fought battle in the 3^rd. The Cardinals' attack was hindered by unforced errors and the Wolverines took full advantage. Lena Thompson, Gabrielle den Boer, and Nicole Evans had a combined 24 digs to lead the Cardinal offense. In the end the Wolverines prevailed and won the set 25-17.

4th Set – CUAA 17, UM-Dearborn 25

The Wolverines got off to a hot start by continuing their attack that got them the win in the 3^rd. They lead as big as 16-6 but the Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to get back in the game, but the Wolverines responded with a run of their own and closed the game out with a win. Kaitlin Veihl, Tara Schatzle, and Delaney Bennett had a combined 69 digs.

5th Set – CUAA 12, UM-Dearborn 15

The 5^th set was full of excitement and energy as both opposing crowds tried to will their respective teams to victory. The game shifted when the Cardinals got off to slow starts in the 3^rd and 4^th set. That gave the Wolverines their confidence and they rode that confidence into the 5^th match and won. The score of the final set was 12-15 in favor of the Wolverines.

What's next?

The Cardinals will quickly return to action on Saturday night at 7pm as they host the Madonna Crusaders at the Cardinal Fieldhouse.