SAINT PETER, Minn. - The 16th-ranked Pacific Lutheran University volleyball team seized an early lead but was unable to hold on down the stretch, getting unseated 3-1 (15-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-23) by College of Saint Benedict in the opening round of the 2018 NCAA Division III Tournament.

The Lutes (21-4) held a fragile 10-9 lead in the opening set before scoring the next six points and 10 of the next 12 points, building a 20-11 lead en route to a 25-15 win in set one.

The Lutes trailed 14-12 in the second set before the Bennies (25-7) ripped off five consecutive points to seize a 19-12 advantage. Saint Benedict kept PLU at arms length the rest of the way, leveling the series with the 25-15 win in set two.

Neither team was able to find separation in the third set. A CSB attack error put the Lutes ahead 22-20 but the Bennies would tally five of the next six points, benefiting from a pair of Lute attack errors to escape with the 25-23 win to push ahead 2-1. The fourth set saw the two squads trade jabs. In the end, Saint Benedict delivered the knockout blow, scoring the final two points for the 25-23 win to secure the match and eliminate the Lutes from the NCAA Tournament.

"We talked about being 'all in, all out' and this team showed that, especially the second half of the season when our backs were against the wall," said Head Coach Kevin Aoki. "Special recognition goes to our five seniors that have been just great leaders for our team on and off the court. The team would like to thank everyone for all the support that they've received this year, especially their buddy team, baseball."

Mackenzie Harris led the Lutes with 13 kills while Danielle Skibiel netted eight kills and a team-high 10 blocks. Isabella Zubrod had a double-double with 20 assists and 12 digs as did Emily Dulaney who tallied 18 assists and a team-leading 19 digs.

Friday's match wrapped up the outstanding careers of seniors Chloe Epker, Caylie Shiramizu, Isabella Zubrod, Jordan Sherfey, and Mackenzie Harris. The five seniors helped the Lutes compile an impressive 71-27 record over the past two seasons, winning two Northwest Conference titles and making two trips to the NCAA Tournament.