WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — For the second-straight day, William & Mary volleyball excited the Kaplan Arena crowd with a thrilling five-set match. Unfortunately, the Tribe once again suffered tough five-set loss, 20-25, 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, 15-6, to CAA leader Towson on Saturday afternoon. 

On day after having 16 total blocks, the Tribe (6-11, 1-5 CAA) turned in another strong performance 14 blocks. Senior Ryann Love topped W&M withe nine blocks, including three solo. Sophomore Devereaux Hoxsie led the Tribe with 17 kills, while senior Nicole Smith added 14 and two service aces. Junior Audrey Brcka totaled six kills and five blocks on the afternoon. 

Towson jumped in front early, winning the first four points of the opening set. Senior Olivia Esposito and Hoxsie contributed key kills to help the team close the gap, highlighted by Hoxsie's back-to-back kills that cut Towson's lead to one at 7-6.

The Tribe found their rhythm midway through the set, tying the score at 9-9 with a block from Love. W&M then took their first lead at 10-9, continuing to trade points with Towson until a critical stretch where kills from Smith and Brcka gave the home team a slight edge.

In the closing moments, the Green and Gold surged ahead with a decisive block by Love, ending the set on a strong note with a 25-20 victory.

William & Mary opened the second set with strong momentum, capitalizing on a kill by Smith and a block from Esposito and Smith to take an early 2-0 lead. The Tribe maintained a narrow advantage, 5-4 following a kill by Hoxsie.

As the set progressed, Towson (17-2,8-0 CAA) managed to even the score and gradually overtook the Tribe, aided by key kills and two service aces from Sarah Callender, pushing Towson ahead 16-13. Despite a late push by the Tribe, including a service ace and a block by junior Katherine Arnason and Love, Towson closed the set with consecutive points, securing a 25-21 set victory.

The third set began with William & Mary securing the initial lead, 2-0, with kills from Arnason and Smith. Towson quickly countered and shift momentum in their favor to build a 7-2 lead. W&M then drew level at 13-13, thanks to a well-timed block by Brcka and Love. Arnason and Hoxsie contributed crucial kills, pushing W&M ahead 17-15. 

However, Towson regained their footing, capitalized and pulled even at 19. Despite a resilient effort from the Tribe, including a block by Hoxsie and Love, Towson clinched the set 25-22, courtesy of a decisive kill from Malinah Purcell-Telefoni.

The Tribe gained momentum early in the fourth set with effective blocking from Love and Brcka. Hoxsie contributed key kills, maintaining W&M's edge against Towson's attempts to rally. As the set progressed, the Green and Gold's defensive efforts, including several blocks, sustained their lead. Smith's consistent attacks extended the advantage, despite Towson closing the gap with occasional kills from Addison Leber.

W&M kept control, closing the fourth set with a decisive kill by Esposito, securing a 25-21 victory over Towson.

In the decisive fifth set, the Tribe looked to capitalize on early momentum after Smith's kill and a service ace extended their lead to 3-1. However, Towson responded with a strong offensive push, including a series of kills from Purcell-Telefoni and Ella Sanders, which saw them pull ahead with a 7-1 run to lead 8-4.

Despite W&M comeback efforts, including a kill by Hoxsie, Towson maintained control and closed the set with a 15-6 victory, securing the match.

The Tribe returns to action next week when it travels to North Carolina A&T. The first match is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, with the second to follow on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 p.m.