ROCKFORD, Ill.- The Rockford University volleyball team returned to action today to take on Benedictine University in a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference matchup. The Regents were attempting to earn their first conference victory on the season. Rockford could not take down Benedictine as they fell in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, and 25-21.

In each set the Regents came out flat falling behind by large leads. However, in each set the team fought back to within one point. Unfortunately, in the first set Benedictine began fast and finished faster as they won by the final of 25-13. Rockford, recorded 6 kills on 31 attempts. In the second set, the Regents fought back to bring the large lead down to one. Ultimately, the Eagles rattled off some unanswered points to win the set 25-18. The Regents tallied 8 kills on 27 attempts. In the third set, the Regents played their strongest, having multiple chances to take control of the game staying within two points all set, until the Eagles finished with the final two points. Rockford lost 25-21 in the final set. However, the Regents played excellent finishing with 13 kills, only 3 errors, on 32 attempts for a .312 hitting percentage. 

Leading the Regents on the day were senior Liberty Hartman (Freeport, Ill.) had a team-high 13 kills on 39 attempts. Hartman had 8 digs, 1 service ace, and 2 assists. Freshman Kayla Barthels (Fort Worth, Texas) played in her first game as an outside hitter and did an excellent job tallying 6 kills on 17 attempts. She also recorded 8 digs, 1 service ace and 1 block solo. Freshman August Guest (Lahiana, Hawaii) continually played outstanding defense and finished with 4 kills, only 1 error, on 10 attempts. Guest also added 7 digs. Senior Taylor Rossi (Ingleside, Ill.) recorded a team-high 20 assists, 2 kills, 4 digs, and 1 service ace.

The RU volleyball team returns to action Tuesday, October 4 to take on the University of Dubuque at the Seaver Center with a scheduled start time of 7 p.m.