Box Score

LISLE, Ill. - They didn't know it when the match began, but Edgewood College and Benedictine University were ultimately battling for first place in the Northern Athletics Conference as the league reaches the midway point of its schedule. On Friday night at the Rice Center, it was the Eagles from Illinois who emerged at the top of the standings after a 3-1 victory over Edgewood College.

Edgewood College (11-12, 4-2 NAC) struggled to find a rhythm on the attack as they failed to hit better than .100 in any of the four sets. Edgewood College had 13 kills in the first two sets, but also 10 errors as Benedictine claimed 25-20 and 25-16 victories.

Paul Schlomer's squad bounced back in the third set, racking up 11 kills and taking advantage of nine Benedictine errors to earn a 25-21 win. However, Benedictine (10-12, 6-1 NAC) regained their stroke in the fourth and final set, hitting .263 in a 25-17 match-clinching victory.

Ellie Peckham and Mallory Palmer each had eight kills to lead Edgewood College. Brittany Bylsma totaled six kills and a team-high four blocks. Sara Schneider had 15 assists and Kim Lueck posted 11 digs for the Eagles.

Their win coupled with Lakeland College's loss to Dominican University gives Benedictine the outright lead in the NAC standings by a half game over Aurora University at 5-1.

Edgewood College will stay overnight in the Chicago area, but will have to answer their alarm clocks Saturday morning for a 10:30 a.m. start against Aurora University.