GARY, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest volleyball came out strong but couldn't sustain its momentum, falling 3-1 (25-22, 15-25, 25-18, 27-25) to Olivet Nazarene on Tuesday night inside the Savannah Center. The defeat moved the RedHawks to 12-18 overall and 8-7 in Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

The Tigers (10-19, 8-7 CCAC) edged the RedHawks in a competitive opening set that featured nine lead changes. IU Northwest rallied from a 17-14 deficit behind kills pulling even at 21-all before the Tigers closed the set 25-22.

IU Northwest responded with its best volleyball of the night in the second frame. Eva Everett served during a 5-0 run that gave the RedHawks an early 8-3 lead, and Gabi Lilovich, who finished with a double-double of 10 kills and 13 assists, delivered consecutive kills to spark the offense. The RedHawks controlled the tempo throughout, cruising to a 25-15 win to tie the match.

Momentum shifted again in the third as the Tigers took control with a 9-6 advantage and maintained steady pressure. Despite late kills from Kaelan Murphy and Trinitie Lintner, Olivet Nazarene used a balanced attack to close out the set 25-18.

The fourth set turned into a thriller with seven ties and five lead changes. The RedHawks surged ahead 18-16 on three straight service aces from Murphy, who finished with nine kills and 13.5 points. However, the Tigers clinched the match 27-25.

Raniyah Preston tallied 25 assists and added seven kills, while Lintner hit .455 with five kills and four blocks. Baileigh Uporsky contributed eight kills and four block assists, and Everett led the defense with 14 digs.

IU Northwest will look to rebound Friday, Nov. 1, when it travels to La Crosse, Wis., to face Viterbo University. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.