LA CROSSE, Wis. — Facing one of the nation's top teams, Indiana University Northwest volleyball battled hard but fell to No. 16 Viterbo University 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-15) Saturday afternoon at the Varsity Athletic Center.

The RedHawks (12-19, 8-8 CCAC) came out with energy in the opening set, staying within two points early behind kills from Kaelan Murphy and Lindsey Krueger. A service ace by Marissa Gutierrez cut the deficit to 6-5 before the V-Hawks responded with a decisive 10-3 run. Despite solid defensive work from Eva Everett, who tallied 12 digs, Viterbo's efficiency at the net carried them to a 25-14 win.

IU Northwest showed grit in the second set, trading points through the midway mark. Trinitie Lintner and Baileigh Uporsky combined for three blocks, while Raniyah Preston and Gabi Lilovich connected on quick sets to keep the RedHawks close at 11-13. The nationally ranked V-Hawks answered with back-to-back kills from Jada Mitchell and Sadie Treptow to regain control and take the frame 25-17.

In the third, Murphy sparked IU Northwest with two early kills and a block assist, giving the RedHawks a brief 4-3 advantage. Viterbo, however, countered with a 7-1 surge behind strong serving from Mia Quist, who finished with four aces on the day. The V-Hawks' depth proved too much as they closed the match 25-15.

Murphy led IU Northwest with seven kills, while Lilovich added four kills and a team-high eight assists. Preston tallied two kills, 14 assists, and seven digs, and Uporsky contributed four kills with three total blocks.

Viterbo (22-6, 16-0 CCAC) hit .358 as a team, led by Mitchell's nine kills and a balanced attack from Izzy Jahr and Mia Quist, who combined for 14 kills.

IU Northwest will return to action Monday, Nov. 4, traveling to South Bend, Ind., to face IU South Bend. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT.