By Megan Smedley

After a disappointing loss Friday night to Indiana, the Maryland volleyball team hoped to close out their inaugural Big 10 weekend with a win over Purdue. This looked promising after the first set where Maryland persevered to a 26-24 victory. Unfortunately, this momentum could not carry Maryland to victory as No. 15 Purdue swept the last three sets 20-25, 16-25, 16-25.

The promising first set was led by senior, Ashleigh Crutcher’s domination at the net with eight kills. Junior Emily Fraik contributed three service aces adding to the team’s success. Maryland’s constant coverage of their hitters led them to victory.

Running off the first set’s momentum, Maryland relied on their hitters in the second set. Freshman Hailey Murray continued her successful first season with five blocks and four kills. Serve-receive errors led to Maryland’s fall for the second set.

With momentum behind them, Purdue picked up right where they left off in the third set with quick-paced play. Maryland continued to commit service and hitting errors throughout the set leading to a loss. In the match deciding set, Maryland could not come up with the needed victory. Miscommunication and passing errors caused the loss for the Terps.

Final stats for the game include 15 kills for Crutcher, nine kills for Murray, and eight kills for Fraik. Carlotta Oggioni contributed 25 assists and Whitney Craigo added 15 assists of her own.

Libero Amy Dion led with 13 digs and Chavi St. Hill blocked four at the net.

The Terrapins are now 0-4 in the Big Ten and 7-8 overall. The team travels to Minnesota and Wisconsin next weekend for more Big Ten matchups. The next home matches will be the weekend of October 17 against Michigan and Michigan State.