DETROIT, MICH. – The Parkside Rangers came up just short in a five-set thriller against Wayne State on Friday night at the Matthaei Center, falling 3–2 (23–25, 23–25, 27–25, 25–23, 14–16).

The opening set went to the Warriors, who tallied 17 kills to edge out Parkside 25–23. Despite the narrow loss, Mariena Coon was dominant early, hitting .571 in the first set, while Natalie Harris anchored the defense with 9 digs.

Wayne State carried momentum into the second frame, hitting an impressive .375 as a team to take a 2–0 lead in the match. Sierra Kilbourn provided a bright spot for the Rangers, hitting .556 with several timely kills to keep Parkside within striking distance.

The Rangers responded in the third set, battling back for a 27–25 victory behind a 72% sideout percentage. Harris was once again steady in the back row with 11 digs, while Coon recorded 3 blocks and Lucy Russ dished out 12 assists to help extend the match.

Parkside continued its strong play in the fourth, hitting .375 as a team to even the score at two sets apiece. Both Monica Lukasiewicz and Kilbourn were nearly unstoppable, each hitting .800 in the frame as the Rangers forced a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, Parkside jumped out to a 6–0 run, gaining early momentum, but Wayne State rallied back and ultimately claimed the set, 16–14. The frame featured six tie scores and three lead changes, as both teams battled to the final points. Parkside's defense stood tall with four blocks in the fifth set alone, but the Warriors managed to close out the comeback.

Overall, Kilbourn led the Rangers with 16 kills on a .467 hitting percentage, while Sam Fisch added 14 kills and Ava Irvin finished with 13 kills and 2 aces. Coon contributed 7 kills and 6 blocks, and Avary Polavin chipped in 11 kills. Russ and Lily Ray combined for 61 assists, with Russ recording her 10th double-double of the season after posting 37 assists and 15 digs. Harris tallied a match-high 32 digs and added 3 service aces to lead the defensive effort.

The Rangers posted a .227 hitting percentage with 69 kills, 12 total blocks, and 9 service aces, delivering one of their most balanced and efficient offensive efforts of the season despite the narrow defeat.
 
Parkside drops to 10–5 overall and 3–5 in GLIAC play, while Wayne State improves to 11–3 and 5–2. The Rangers continue their Michigan road trip on Saturday, taking on No. 21 Grand Valley State in Allendale at 2:00 p.m. CT.

For all things Parkside Volleyball and links to live coverage, please visit parksiderangers.com/coverage.