HIRAM, Ohio -- After competing in three matches over the weekend, John Carroll University Volleyball returned to the court Wednesday night at Hiram University for a hard-fought three-set battle. 

Unfortunately, Blue Streaks fell short in the battle, dropping a 3-0 (18-25, 17-25, 21-25) sweep to the Hiram Terriers. 

During the opening moments of the first set, John Carroll started off strong by taking a 5-3 lead courtesy of kills by Jennifer Follmer and Brooke Hjerpe as well as help from Lexi MacDonald's powerful defense. 

The Blue Streaks could not hold onto their lead as the Terriers possessed a quick offense with powerful defensive blocking throughout the remainder of the first set. 

The second set started off evenly, but Hiram's four-point run gave them a 13-9 advantage over John Carroll, giving them enough momentum to win set two 25-17. 

The Blue Streaks tried to force the match into four sets with their final efforts in set three. John Carroll held onto hope in the third set as they kept the set tied up 7-7. Eventually, Hiram pulled away coming out with a 25-21 victory in set three. 

Despite the loss, the front row for the Blue Streaks showed vital spots. 

Hjerpe fueled the Blue Streak's offense with seven kills, and Cassi Calamunci trailed behind her with six kills. Ally Bartolone played a crucial role in setting up points for the Blue Streaks with 13 assists on the night. 

Defensively, MacDonald topped the team with 17 digs in the match, while Bartolone notched 11 digs. 

The Blue Streaks (2-3) look to bounce back this weekend as they compete in the Penn State Behrend Tournament Friday and Saturday.

During the tournament, the Blue and Gold are slated to face off against Penn State Behrend, Westminster College, Bluffton University, and SUNY Fredonia.