Iowa Falls, IA—The Marshalltown Community College Volleyball team made a valiant effort in the decisive fifth set, but came up just short, falling 3-2 to Ellsworth Community College on the road.
The Tigers took the opening set from the Panthers 25-20, but Ellsworth answered with consecutive set wins by the same score of 25-15. With the match on the line, MCC rebounded for a 25-22 win in the fourth set to head to a fifth set tiebreaker.
The Tigers looked in control in the final frame, holding on to a 9-7 lead, but Ellsworth scored five of the next seven points to go back on top, 12-11. MCC forced a Panther timeout after tying the set at 13. Ellsworth came out of the break and set itself up for set point, but the Tigers refused to cave.
MCC was able to stave off defeat by taking a 16-15 lead. With a chance to take the match, the Tigers allowed a point to the Panthers and both sides for another deadlock. Each side continued to exchange points, eventually landing at 20-20 in the win-by-two situation. The Panthers were able to convert back-to-back scores and held off the Tiger rally.
Next up for the Tigers is a trip to Wartburg JV at 7:30 PM on Thursday.
