PICTURED ABOVE: Jessica Bosse led all players in the match with 16 digs on Thursday night at University of Chicago.

Chicago, Ill. – The Wheaton Thunder volleyball team faced a nationally ranked opponent for the second time this week with a non-conference matchup tonight at No. 25 ranked University of Chicago. The Maroons topped the Thunder 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-21).

Freshman Audrey Irwin and senior Emily Potts (PICTURED LEFT) each tallied seven kills in the match to lead the Thunder. Madeline Moore added five kills and Ellie Brown contributed four. Junior setter Kelly Thornton distributed 14 assists for the Thunder. Junior Jessica Bosse had a team-high 16 digs and Madeline Moore added 10 digs for the guests. Brown contributed four total blocks.

Wheaton scored the first point of the first set and the opening set was tied at 6-6. However the Maroons led 9-8 when the hosts responded with an 8-1 run to take a 17-9 lead in the set and Chicago maintained the sizable lead to earn the 25-13 victory in the first set.

In the second set, Chicago broke a 4-4 tie with three consecutive points to take a 7-4 lead that the hosts never relinquished in the set. Chicago led 18-12 when the Thunder responded with four unanswered points to cut the Maroons' lead to 18-16. However, the Thunder could not get closer as Chicago won the set 25-19. Irwin contributed four kills in the set and Bosse had a set-high eight digs.

Chicago jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the third set and maintained a sizeable lead at 19-11 late in the set. Wheaton responded with a 7-3 run to cut the Maroons' lead to 21-18, but Chicago responded to the rally with the needed four points to win the final set 25-21.

Sarah Muisenga led the Maroons with 12 points and Emma Griffith contributed 38 assists for the hosts. Anne Marie Stifter had a team high 14 digs.

Wheaton hosts North Central in a CCIW match on Friday at 6:00 p.m. as part of Wheaton's Homecoming activities.