The Briar Cliff women's volleyball team battled on the road Wednesday evening, but fell in straight sets to Dordt (19-25, 22-25, 20-25) inside the De Witt Gym.

The Chargers started strong in the opening frame, taking an early 9-8 lead behind kills from Kya Bradfield and Aubrey Hoeft. Briar Cliff continued to keep pace throughout the set before the Defenders pulled away late. The second set saw the Cliff build another early advantage at 9-4, led by a string of blocks from Hoeft and Caton Firkins, but Dordt rallied to claim the frame and carried the momentum into the third.

Kya Bradfield paced the Charger offense with five kills, followed by Tamika Eastman, Caton Firkins, and Brooklyn Voss, who each tallied four. Hoeft was also active at the net with two kills and five blocks. Firkins also tallied three blocks, and Eastman added two. 

Setters Kylie Hart and Reese Strouth directed the Briar Cliff attack with 10 and 11 assists, respectively. Strouth also contributed five digs and one service ace.

Defensively, Avery Beller anchored the back row, leading the team with 20 digs. Joana Neves recorded seven digs and an ace as well.

The Chargers now sit 8-14 overall and 2-9 in GPAC. They return to action this Saturday, back at the Newman Flanagan Center to host Doane University. First serve is set for 5:30 p.m.