OSKALOOSA, Iowa — Southwestern's volleyball team showed early fight but came up short in both of its outings Friday, falling in straight sets to Dordt before dropping a four-set battle to Mount Marty at the Oskaloosa Classic.

The Moundbuilders (1-6) opened the day against Dordt, where a strong second set wasn't enough in a 25-16, 25-21, 25-12 loss. Autumn Bennett led the attack with seven kills on a .700 hitting percentage, while Macey Collier added six kills and Mikki Johnson chipped in two. Setter Reece Likes dished out nine assists and recorded five digs, and Natalie Blaufuss contributed eight assists. Southwestern was effective at the service line, totaling six aces, including two each from Ashlyn Tag and Lauren Broz.

In the nightcap, Southwestern struck first with a 25-23 opening-set win over Mount Marty, but the Lancers answered by taking the next three frames 25-16, 25-16, 25-13. Johnson paced the Builders with 15 kills, while Bennett tallied nine and Collier added eight. Likes directed the offense with 22 assists and seven digs, and Blaufuss added 16 assists and two service aces. Defensively, Avery Riedel collected nine digs and Collier and Haylie Poole each recorded a block.

As a team, Southwestern finished with 42 kills against Mount Marty, but the Lancers countered with a .324 attack percentage and 12 blocks to pull away after the first set.

Southwestern closes tournament play Saturday with two more matches in Oskaloosa.