MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — In a five-set thriller at the UPMC Events Center, the Robert Morris University women's volleyball team fell just short in a back-and-forth battle against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons, dropping the match 3-2. With the decision, RMU moves to 3-12 overall and 1-3 in Horizon League play.
Set 1 (RMU 25, PFW 23):
The opening set was a tightly contested battle featuring minimal runs from either side. Tied 17–17 late, RMU capitalized on three Mastodon errors and a service ace from
Addison Fowler to build a 21–17 cushion. Although Purdue Fort Wayne rallied to level the score at 23–23, the Colonials executed under pressure, taking the final two points to grab the opening set.
Set 2 (PFW 25, RMU 15):
RMU carried momentum into the second frame to take an early 9–8 lead following three kills by
Addyson Butts and two from
Lauren Decker. However, Purdue Fort Wayne completely shifted the set by unleashing an 11-point unanswered run to forge a commanding 21–10 advantage before cruising to a 25–15 win to tie the match at 1–1.
Set 3 (RMU 25, PFW 19):
The Mastodons jumped ahead 12–8 in the middle frame, but RMU responded with a 5-0 run—highlighted by two service aces from
Layla Todd and a pair of Decker kills—to take the lead. Building on an extended 8–2 run down the stretch, the Colonials took the set 25–19 to reclaim a 2–1 match advantage.
Set 4 (PFW 25, RMU 20):
Purdue Fort Wayne established an early 4–1 lead before RMU cut the deficit to 6–5. The Mastodons quickly responded with a 13–7 push and maintained timely scoring through the remainder of the set to close out a 25–20 win and force a deciding fifth set.
Set 5 (PFW 15, RMU 10):
The visitors seized early control of the final set, racing out to a 9–3 lead. Led by key late kills from Decker, RMU mounted a comeback attempt to close the gap, but the Mastodons held firm on the attack to secure the 15–10 frame and cap off the five-set road victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Lauren Decker: Led the attack with 18 kills and collected 12 digs for a double-double.
- Keira Hornung: Reached double figures with 10 kills and added a team-high 6 blocks.
- Kenlee Barnard: Directed the offense with 46 assists alongside 12 digs.
- Addyson Butts & Layla Todd: Butts posted 8 kills and 2 service aces, while Todd chipped in 2 aces and 11 digs.
UP NEXT
RMU and Purdue Fort Wayne complete their two-match series at the UPMC Events Center on Saturday, October 3, at 4:00 PM. The match will stream live on YouTube.
