CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University (7-5, 1-1 MCC) volleyball team was just short of picking up its second victory in the Midwest Collegiate Conference, falling in a close match against Grand View University (9-6, 1-1 MCC) on Tuesday evening, 3-1 (35-37, 25-23, 17-25, 16-25).

The Saints were coming off a sweep in straight sets against Div. III Augustana College and had collected a conference-opening win against William Penn University at home in Kehl Arena.

"It was close match and we probably had our chances to pick up more momentum," AU Head Coach Micah Cewe said. "We have to regroup, focus in practice and get ready for the Morningside (College) Tournament this weekend."

Both teams went back and forth in the first set to the tune of a 37-35 Viking win. Ashford bounced back to claim the second set by a two-point margin, 25-23, without extra play, but on the strength of a 13-0 run to begin the fourth set, Grand View pulled away.

A junior trio of frontline hitters led the way for Ashford as Kelsay McCausland of Camanche had 11 kills, Hanna Bruns of La Porte City, Iowa, recorded 10 kills and Allison Uceda of Lima, Peru, netted a season-high 18 kills on 51 swings.

Setters Whitney Miller of Clinton and Liz Gbur of Darien, Ill., combined for 36 assists and junior defensive specialist Samantha Moller of Silvis, Ill., earned 21 digs.

The Saints are in action this weekend at the Morningside College Tournament. AU faces Wayland Baptist University at 5 p.m. followed by a 7 p.m. matchup against Hastings College. On the docket for Saturday includes the University of Sioux Falls at 10 a.m. before the championship match at 2 p.m.