HAMMOND, Ind. — The Parkside Rangers closed out the weekend on a high note, defeating Purdue Northwest 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. After a tightly contested opening set, the Rangers regrouped and controlled the remainder of the match to secure the win. With the victory, Parkside improves to 18-6 overall and 9-5 in conference play.

In the opening set, the Rangers fell just short, dropping a close 26-24 battle to the Pride. The set featured 13 ties and five lead changes as both teams fought for momentum. Parkside hit just .175 in the frame compared to Purdue Northwest's .250, as the Pride posted a 62% sideout percentage. Lucy Russ helped keep the Rangers close from the service line, delivering two service aces in the set.

The second set saw Parkside flip the switch, dominating with a 25-18 win. The Rangers found their rhythm offensively, hitting .270 as a team. Sierra Kilbourn led the charge with seven kills on a .385 hitting percentage, while Ava Irvin added a service ace to help Parkside even the match at one set apiece.

Parkside's momentum carried into the third set, where they hit a match-high .379 while holding Purdue Northwest to just a 29% sideout rate. Ava Irvin tallied her second ace of the match, and Lucy Russ added her third, as the Rangers pulled ahead to take the set 25-13.

The Rangers closed the door in the fourth, cruising to a 25-16 victory to seal the match. Lucy Russ and Lily Ray spread the offense evenly, with four different Rangers recording three or more kills in the set. Parkside also continued to apply pressure from the service line, recording three aces and four team blocks to secure the victory. 

Several Rangers turned in standout performances in the win. Avary Polavin tied her career high with 16 kills on a .385 hitting percentage, adding six digs and a solo block. Kilbourn followed with 11 kills on .333 hitting percentage and two blocks, while Sam Fisch added 12 kills and four blocks of her own. Mariena Coon contributed five kills on a .400 efficiency with four blocks. Russ led the team with 29 assists and four aces, and Ray notched a double-double with 14 assists and 10 digs. Defensively, Natalie Harris anchored the back row with a team-high 18 digs.

As a team, Parkside hit .262 for the match and posted a season-high 15 team blocks — their most in a single match this season.

Parkside closes out the regular season next week when they travel to Michigan to face Davenport on Friday, followed by Ferris State on Saturday. 

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