DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Loras College women's volleyball team battled through an intense five-set match on Saturday afternoon, defeating Buena Vista University 3-2 (23-25, 25-18, 25-27, 25-23, 15-13) inside the Lillis Athletic and Wellness Center.

The Duhawks (6-15 overall, 2-3 A-R-C) were powered by a balanced attack that featured strong performances from Autumn Finch and Sophie Younkin, who each tallied 16 kills. Finch also made her presence felt at the net with a team-high six blocks, while Younkin added 13 digs and one block assist to her stat line. Elaina Schroeder provided an additional spark offensively with 12 kills on a .423 hitting percentage.

The Purple and Gold's setting duo of Emily Mohr and Alyssa Daughenbaugh kept the offense in rhythm, combining for 55 assists, while Lucie Lambe anchored the back row with a match-high 29 digs.

After dropping the first set 25-23, Loras regrouped and in the second set behind an efficient .200 team hitting percentage to even the match. The Beavers narrowly took the third, but the Duhawks responded with a gritty 25-23 win in the fourth to force a decisive fifth. In the final frame, the Purple and Gold sealed the deal with a 15-13 set win.

The Duhawks finished with 69 kills and hit .216 for the match, while also out-digging Buena Vista (6-13, 0-5) 103-94 in the defensive battle.

Up Next: Loras will return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when they travel to Waukesha, Wis. to take on Carroll University. Play is slated to begin at 6 p.m.