SALEM, Ore. – The Bushnell volleyball team, currently receiving votes in the NAIA National Coaches Poll, gave No. 8-ranked Corban University a handful on Wednesday night before ultimately falling in four sets, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22.
 
The Beacons (13-7, 8-4 CCC) jumped out to an early lead in the first set, setting the tone for what would be a battle from start to finish, although the higher-ranked Warriors would ultimately prevail. Bushnell won that first set and had leads in all three competitive frames that went Corban's way.
 
The fourth set proved to be the closest as the teams were tied at ten different points, the last of which came as Bushnell knotted things up at 19-19 on a Hailey Heider kill. Corban, however, was able to wrap things up as Bushnell got bit by the bad-serve bug, giving three of the final six points to the Warriors on service errors.
 
Statistically, things were very comparable, outside of blocking, where the Warriors are one of the best in the nation. Corban held a slim 53-51 advantage in kills, hitting .173 to a .150 clip for the Beacons. Bushnell had a 66-65 margin in digs. The Warriors, however, posted 15 blocks and Bushnell earned nine, proving to be a crucial factor in the victory for Corban (15-2, 11-1 CCC).
 
"As the old saying goes, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades," said Beacon head coach Jason Corwin. "We did a very good job of creating the opportunity to finish a set, but got in our own way with the last few points. We have some time and the opportunity to get better, but we need to figure it out now. I am confident that this team will get where we want to go, because we are relentless and focused."
 
Bushnell was led in defeat by the reigning CCC Offensive Player of the Week as Heider earned a double-double with 15 digs and a match-high 17 kills. Matty Ladd (pictured) added 11 kills and five blocks for the Beacons while Makenna Mosher picked up five blocks of her own. CCC Defensive Player of the Week Bella Parque also had a strong night in the back row with 21 digs while Katie Belitz led the team with 24 assists.
 
Corban was led by Makayla Roginski's 13 kills while Kendra Bittle and Jadah Schmidtke added 11 kills apiece. Schmidtke nearly posted a double-double as she had her hands in on nine of the Warriors 15 blocks.
 
The Beacons will look to regroup quickly as they return home this weekend to take on Warner Pacific on Friday at 6:00 pm and Multnomah on Saturday at 4:00 pm.