The Aurora University women's volleyball team took the top ranked team in the AVCA rankings and current No. 1 ranked Calvin College in the opening match of the Elmhurst College BlueJay Invitational. AU fell to the Knights in a thrilling five set match (25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 15-17) before going on to defeat host Elmhurst 3-0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-20).

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORES:
MATCH ONE: #1 Calvin College 3, Aurora University 2 (25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 15-17)
MATCH TWO: Aurora University 3; Elmhurst College 0 (25-17, 26-24, 25-20)
LOCATION: Elmhurst, Illinois - Elmhurst College
RECORDS: Aurora University 17-6; 10-0 NACC; #1 Calvin College 23-1; Elmhurst College 10-17

MATCH TWO vs, #1 Calvin College
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Spartans went toe-to-toe for the second straight year with the top ranked team in Division III
- AU out hit Calvin in the opening two sets and won both 25-21 to lead the match 2-0.
- The Spartans were close to knocking off the Knights in three sets but a late rally from Calvin sent the match to a fourth set.
- Calvin won the fourth set and moved the match to a winner take all deciding fifth set.
- The fifth set saw the teams go back and forth with AU holding their own with the Knights.
- Calvin won the final set 17-15 and knocked off AU 3-2.
 
SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Katie Vondra and Imani Freeman (19) and Samantha Weising (12)
Assists: Emily Lines (50)
Blocks: Lindsey Simpson (6)
Digs: Julia Wood (24), Emily Lines (12) and Katie Vondra (11)
Aces: Katie Vondra (3) and Emily Lines (2)

MATCH TWO vs, Elmhurst College
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The first set saw the Spartans jump out to an 8-1 lead before going on for the 25-17 win.
- AU and Elmhurst went back and forth in the second set before the Spartans won the final three points to win 26-24.
- The third set had AU pull away midway through the set and go on to win 25-20.
 
SPARTAN TEAM LEADERS
Kills: Karli Chambers (13) and Katie Vondra (10)
Assists: Emily Lines (40)
Blocks: Lindsey SImpson (5)
Digs: Julia Wood (15) and Katie Vondra (11)
Aces: Lindsey SImpson (2)
 
UP NEXT
Next action for the Spartan women's volleyball team comes on Wednesday, October 24 when they host Dominican University. Match time is set for 7:00 p.m. on Lancaster Court in Thornton Gymnasium.