Box Score COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's volleyball team battled to the wire in a thrilling five-set matchup Friday morning, but IU Columbus narrowly escaped with a 3-2 victory (25-15, 25-23, 19-25, 17-25, 18-16) at Cera Sports Park.

After dropping the opening two sets, the Pomeroys stormed back behind efficient offense and aggressive serving to even the match. In the decisive fifth set, SMWC rallied to tie the score multiple times before IU Columbus edged out the final points.

Senior standout Karla Melendez led the Pomeroy attack with 18 kills and 16 digs, while Masa Pesic turned in a strong performance with 15 kills, three blocks, and a .286 hitting percentage. Setter Aden Britt paced the offense with 41 assists, adding 18 digs, two aces, and five total points in an all-around showing.

Defensively, Leishmarie Virella anchored the back row with 27 digs and a team-high five aces, while Evelyn Morales posted an efficient .571 hitting percentage with five kills and three blocks.

As a team, SMWC finished with 56 kills, nine aces, nine blocks, and a .166 hitting percentage, narrowly outpacing IU Columbus in total kills and attack efficiency.

IU Columbus was led by Sadie Egan, who recorded 18 kills, 18 digs, and three aces, while Bailey Stevens contributed 29 assists and nine digs.

The Pomeroys close the regular season Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. (ET) on the road against IU Southeast before turning their attention to the postseason.