The Buena Vista volleyball team went on the road to the University of Dubuque on Saturday and jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but could not close the door on the Spartans, who came all the way back to hand BVU a heartbreaking 3-2 loss.

The Beavers came out and held on for a thrilling 25-23 victory in the opening set before taking the second, 25-19.  The Spartans fought back to keep the match alive with a 25-17 win in the third and then took the fourth, 25-23, to force a decisive fifth set.

It was nearly all Dubuque in the end, as the Spartans came out and picked up a 15-9 win in the fifth, to complete the comeback.

Four players posted double-doubles in a losing effort for BVU, led by Jamie Navinskey's 17 kills and 13 digs.  Maddie Bardole had 16 kills and 12 digs while Jade Schaap turned in 13 kills and 13 digs.

Ashley Pelton dished out 45 assists and had 10 digs for just her third career double-double.

Sydnee Donnelli led the team with 15 digs.

Both teams now sit at 12-11 on the year (3-3 IIAC).  Buena Vista looks to bounce back from the tough loss when it heads to Central College on Tuesday night, October 11, for a 7:00pm match.