Omaha, Neb.–A couple of tight sets could have gone the other way, but unfortunately they did not and the William Penn volleyball team came up short against Grace 3-1 in non-conference play Tuesday.

WPU (0-4) fell by scores of 23-25, 18-25, 25-20, 22-25.  The squad was outhit .176-.100, including posting a .135 mark in the second set.

The visitors fought to the bitter end, but failed to overcome 33 attacking errors (both sides tallied 51 kills).  Shawni Wills (Sr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Biology) had an efficient evening, leading the navy and gold with 13 kills and a .346 attack clip.

Savanna Hartman (Sr., Morgan Hill, Calif., Psychology) was also in double figures with 11 winners, while Claire Simmons (So., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) and Lilly Martinez (Jr., Oakland, Calif., Psychology) just missed the mark with nine kills apiece.

Kathleen Steffen (So., Vinton, Iowa, Biology) topped the setting duo with a double-double of 29 assists and 16 digs, while Haley Smith (So., Adrian, Mich., Elementary Education) added 15 helpers.

Ashley Miller (So., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) paced the defensive effort with 35 digs, while Nesreen Iskandrani (Fr., Lawrence, Kan., History/Government) finished with three block assists.

In addition to her hitting tally, Simmons was also productive at the service line (three aces) and at the defensive net (one solo block, two block assists).

“We are learning, but it is going to take baby steps,” Head Coach Jennifer Carlson said.  “We are making too many errors at this point and that is hurting us as we try to finish games.  We are close, so I know we can do this, but we need to buckle down and continue to remove those unforced errors.”

Next Up: William Penn takes a week off before returning to Oskaloosa for its home opener next Tuesday, hosting Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.) in non-conference action at 7 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage