AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Macomb Volleyball team fought hard Monday (Sept. 15) night, however the rally came up short as the Monarchs fell 3-2 at Oakland Community College in the MCCAA Eastern Conference opener for both sides. 

The host Owls (3-5, 1-0) shot out to a two-set lead behind narrow set score wins of 25-23 and 26-24 and forced the Monarchs (6-5, 0-1) to play catch up. Despite rallying to win sets three (25-18) and four (25-17), the Monarchs fell short in the fifth set by a 15-11 final tally. 

The loss snaps a four-match winning streak for the Monarchs against Oakland and marks the program's first loss in Auburn Hills since Sept. 7, 2022. 

Kara Beeker led Macomb with 17 kills, tying her career-high effort, while Jordan Pflaum enjoyed a balanced night with 13 kills and 11 digs. Korin Hutton eclipsed the 40-assist mark for the first time in her collegiate career with 46 in the five-set setback. 

Alexis Cunha registered 19 digs and Brooke Baker added 12 of her own to pace the back end of the defense, while Caryss Terry was a force at the net with a career-best 12 block assists to go along with nine kills. 

The Monarchs will remain on the road and travel to Dearborn Wednesday (Sept. 17) to take on Henry Ford. First serve is set for 7 p.m.