SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Indiana University Northwest volleyball showed stretches of strong play but ultimately fell in straight sets to IU South Bend, 25-15, 25-23, 25-19, on Tuesday evening. 

IU Northwest (12-20, 8-9 CCAC) opened the first set with energy, rallying from an early 10-6 deficit behind back-to-back service aces from Gabi Lilovich to pull within two. Despite the push, IUSB closed the frame on a 6-1 run, capped by three consecutive kills from Grott to take it 25-15.

The RedHawks found their rhythm in the second set, battling point-for-point through the middle stages. Trailing 4-3, IU Northwest rattled off five straight points fueled by a Kaelan Murphy kill and an IUSB attack error to take the lead. The RedHawks extended the advantage to 20-16 behind strong defense from Abby Allen, but Lake's late service run sparked an 8-1 Titan surge to steal the set 25-23.

IU Northwest jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third behind kills from Murphy and Raniyah Preston, but South Bend countered with a 6-0 run and never looked back. Lindsey Krueger helped the RedHawks close the gap with three late kills, but Grott's final swing sealed the match for the Titans.

Murphy paced IU Northwest with eight kills, while Preston contributed six kills and a team-high nine assists. Lilovich recorded nine assists and 17 digs, and Eva Everett anchored the back row with 15 digs. The RedHawks totaled 28 kills and 51 digs across the match.

IU Northwest will conclude its home schedule Thursday at 7 p.m. when it hosts Calumet College of St. Joseph in the regular-season home finale.