DEFIANCE, Ohio - At the final tri-match of the season for the Adrian women's volleyball team, the Bulldogs struggled to slow down their opponents en route to a pair of tough defeats.

 
Game 1 | Adrian 0, Transylvania 3 (13-25, 14-25, 23-25)

The Bulldogs fell just shy of extending their first contest, clawing back late in the third set, but ultimately falling to the Pioneers in straight-sets.

After posting an attack percentage of .062 over the first two sets, the black and gold doubled their productivity offensively with a 0.171 hitting mark in the third frame, keeping them in contention down the stretch.

Transylvania did well to keep Adrian behind them for a significant portion of the match, limiting the 'Dogs' time in front to only a 3-1 lead in the second set.

Then, in the third set, the Pioneers looked to be well on their way to a convincing victory, racing out to an 18-8 lead. The locals did not let their opposition get away easily, however, turning in a 13-3 run to pull within a point, capitalized by an Allison Ashurst kill.

The Bulldogs were led in scoring by Destiny Johnson and Ayden Cribbs with sevens kills each. Hailey Farrell contributed 12 assists, while Mya Minjares paced the way defensively with 10 digs.

 
Game 2 | Adrian 1, Defiance 3 (25-22, 20-25, 19-25, 23-25)

In the second match of the day for Adrian, the homestanding Yellow Jackets rallied back after dropping the first set to clinch the contest 3-1.

The Bulldogs contended with a deficit of their own in the game's opening set, trailing by as many three points before posting an 8-0 run to move ahead 19-14.

Mallory Dorow was critical for the visitors during this stretch, pummeling the 'Jackets' back line with five kills en route to a team-high 13.

Despite a late push by Defiance, the black and gold managed to keep their opposition as bay to take a one-set to none lead.

The Yellow Jackets picked up the intensity in the subsequent second and third sets, limiting Adrian to sub-.100 hitting percentages over both frames.

Then, in the fourth set, the two sides remained on each other's back until the very end, with both teams trading mini runs in return for slim leads. A 3-0 run by the hosts after Adrian had taken a 22-21 lead proved to be the last laugh.

Along with Dorow's efforts offensively, the Bulldogs also picked up 11 kills from Cribbs.

Farrell recorded a team-best 23 dimes, and Minjares added 24 digs.

Katelyn Bergman and Ashurst posted strong performances at the net for the Bulldogs, turning in six blocks each.

Next up for Adrian (6-15, 2-3 MIAA) is a three-game homestand beginning with a conference-bout against Olivet on Tuesday evening at the Merillat Sport and Fitness Center.