ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– After dropping the first two sets to top -ranked Juniata, Eastern University Volleyball rallied to take a third set, but the comeback attempt ended when the visiting Eagles claimed a a 25-22 fourth set win. Eastern (13-3) hit only .138 in the loss.

Playing in front of a full house at home, the Eastern Eagles made several early hitting and serving errors, and Juniata jumped to a 13-6 lead midway throughout the opening set. By the time the Eastern team got into a regular pattern of sideouts, it was too late. Juniata grabbed the first set 25-15.

Eastern grabbed a quick lead in the second set, but Juniata took advantage of some Eastern errors and grabbed momentum with an 8-2 run midway through the second set. Juniata hit .355 in the second set. The Eagles hit just .129 and fell 25-16.

The partisan crowd had reason to get into the match in the third set. The Eagles found their rhythm in passing and were efficient in the sideout game. The two teams were tied at 22-22 before the Eagles grabbed the final three points of the set. Rylie Haas delivered the 24th point with an ace and Erin Hillman put away the final point on a perfect set from Rikki Schlager.

Hillman led the Eagles with 11 kills. The senior outside hitter had only 16 attempts in three sets played. Juniata went up 12-8 in the fourth set and held that edge to the end of the match. Stephanie Elechko joined Hillman in double figure kills for the Eastern.

Nakita Gearhart had 13 kills to lead the guests.

Eastern will host the University of Mary Washington and Rowan tomorrow.