HAMBURG, N.Y.  – Hilbert College suffered a non-conference loss to Fredonia State tonight in the Hafner Recreation Center in front of the largest crowd all season.
 
THE BASICS

Final score:  Fredonia State 25, 25, 25 | Hilbert 23, 14, 15
Location: Hafner Recreation Center | Hamburg
Records: Hilbert 7-16, 0-8 AMCC | Fredonia State 5-18, 2-7 SUNYAC
 
HIGHLIGHTS
 
Natalie Ruhlmann inched closer to setting the program's Single Season digs record after she collected 14 more digs tonight in the three-set match.  She needs 13 more digs to move ahead of Jordan Botsford who stands at 372 digs (130 sets).  Ruhlmann already owns the 4.56 digs per set single season average.

Maria Spinelli led with seven kills, a pair of  blocks, and Jessee Jonathan shared the ball for 20 assists. 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Hilbert built a 19-13 lead in the opening set after stacking four points together – a pair of Ruhlmann service aces and two kills.  The Blue Devils responded with a 10-point run but the Hawks knotted the set at 23 all.  A Hilbert service error and an honest Hilbert team took the touch off a Fredonia attack for the 25-23 defeat.
• Fredonia was in total control of the pace and transitions in the second set, quickly taking a 25-14 win. The Blue Devils recorded seven service aces, with several of their serves hitting the top of the net and trickling down close to the centerline without a Hilbert touch.
• The Hawks battled back in the third set, taking a 10-7 lead.  An unanswered five-point run by the visitors eventually became the difference in the set.  Hilbert pulled within three points (15-18) but the Blue Devils put the match away with another seven point run. 

UP NEXT
Hilbert will conclude their 2023 season with an AMCC game at first-year foe, Carlow University Saturday, November 4th.  The Hawks will battle the Celtics in a 3pm afternoon contest down in Pittsburgh, Pa.