IUP battled Lock Haven in a classic back-and-forth third game before the Crimson Hawks finally fell to the Bald Eagles, 3-0, in the PSAC West opener for both teams Tuesday night at Memorial Field House.

Lock Haven won by scores of 30-23, 30-18, 37-35.  The defending NCAA Atlantic Region champions, who have played one of the most difficult schedules in the early part of the season, are 2-10 overall while IUP dropped to 6-8.

Tessa Irwin led the Crimson Hawks with 17 kills and a .464 hitting percentage.  Tessa Siewert and Maddie Schulte both had nine kills, and Hristina Denic contributed seven to go along with 11 digs. 

Emily McCombie (21 assists) and Chesley Kreinbook (15) combined for 36 assists, Emily Pany (pictured) made 13 digs and was joined by Siewert and Schulte with two service aces each.

The third game never had more than a three-point margin, the last with IUP ahead 8-5, and was tied a remarkable 24 times before Lock Haven pulled out the match.

IUP plays its first PSAC West road match of the season on Saturday at California.

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