WAVERLY, Iowa - The University of Dubuque volleyball team outlasted the host Wartburg College Knights in a five set thriller 3-2 on Tuesday night. The Spartans dropped set one 21-25, won in extras 29-27 in the second set. Wartburg won set three 25-22, and head coach April Elsbernd fired the ladies up to sweep the fourth (25-21) and fifth (15-13) sets to win the match. The two teams matched up evenly and the fans witnessed many rallies and long volleys through out the marathon of play. The Spartans have played to five set matches in three out of four outings this season.

Darby Hawtrey played all five sets and would lead the Spartans offense with 24 kills and a hitting percentage of .357. Julie May trailed closely behind with 20 kills with an outstanding hitting percentage of .514.The Spartans attempted 206 attacks and finished with 73 kills and a hitting percentage of .252, which was a season high by a wide margin.

Abby Pospisil led with 30 set assists and Kaylynn Murray added 16 set assists. May served up two aces and compiled three block solos. UD scattered 96 defensive digs among 10 Spartans. Emma Powell led with 25 digs, Mary Kate Wille had 17, Katie Wright 13, and Hawtrey and May with 11 each.

The Spartans improve to 1-3 overall, 1-2 in A-R-C action and will continue conference play on Saturday, March 6 at home at 2 p.m. in Stoltz Sports Center against the Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairiewolves.