Kenosha, Wis. - Several spirited comebacks proved to not be enough on Tuesday night as the Thunder volleyball team fell 3-1 at #14-ranked Carthage. Despite struggling in the middle of all three games they lost, the Thunder rallied late in sets but ultimately fell 20-25, 25-23, 20-25, 20-25. With the loss Wheaton falls to 10-16 overall and 2-4 in the CCIW. The Lady Reds improve to 24-7 on the season and 4-2 in conference play. Wheaton will be back in action with a pair of matches at Edgewood College on Saturday.

Wheaton fell behind 16-9 in the middle of the first set and ultimately faced a set-point at 24-15. Wheaton would run off five straight points before conceding the set point and dropping the first set. The second half was a back and forth affair with Wheaton's 2-0 start serving as the largest lead of the set for either team. Three straight points turned a 15-13 deficit into a one-point edge for the Thunder. Wheaton held serve and finally a kill by Sara Reiskytl (PICTURED RIGHT) gave Wheaton a 23-20 lead. Carthage close to within 24-23 but Wheaton held on to tie the match at a set apiece.

Playing from behind again in the third set, Wheaton faced a 24-17 deficit but again was able to get within 24-20 before Carthage closed the set. The Thunder jumped ahead 7-4 and 11-8 and eventually 13-11 before a crucial Carthage run turned the set in their favor. Tied at 16-16, the Lady Reds ran off five straight points before closing things out at 25-20.

"I thought we started slow tonight bu tit was great to see the team regroup and play really well tonight," stated head coach Brittany Smith. "We had some players step up and do some really exciting things. We struggled against Carthage's solid block but our defense really kept us competitive."

Shelby Knowles led the Thunder attack with 13 kills. Amanda Smith added 11 kills. Ashley Torok facilitated the Thunder attack with a team-best 23 assists. Kelli Manning headlined a strong defensive effort with 24 digs. Jessica Bosse added 12 digs and Knowles tallied 11 digs.

Wheaton will travel to Edgewood to take on the Eagles as well as St. Norbert College in a triangular on Saturday before returning home to host Millikin for Senior Night at 7 PM on Tuesday night.