Eastern Mennonite looked poised for their first conference win Friday night, riding the energy of a great home crowd.  But in the end, the visiting Quakers of Guilford grabbed the edge at the right time, controlling the fifth game of a 3-2 decision.

Guilford jumped to a four-point lead early in game one, but EMU took over momentum with a five-point run.  The Lady Royals then grabbed the 25-21 win by closing on a 4-1 streak.

The Quakers held a small lead most of game two and won 25-21.  The momentum carried through game three, which the visitors won 25-16.

The Lady Royals responded well in game four and vaulted to an 8-1 cushion.  GC got within 20-18 before Eastern Mennonite closed the door at 25-22 to force a decisive game five.

Game five belonged to the Quakers, though, after they scored the first three points.  The women never regrouped as the visitors took the night with a 15-6 score.

Sophomore Sara Ritchie (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) led all players with a match high 21 kills.  EMU's middle hitters had a great match, with Rachel Kennel (Parkesburg, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) landing 10 kills and Lynae Fry (Pettisville, OH/Pettisville) putting down nine.  Michelle Miller (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) added seven.

Mattie Lehman (New Paris, IN/Bethany Christian) had a double double with 44 assists and 10 digs.  Jessica Goertzen (Goessel, KS/Goessel) had 13 digs and four service aces.  Karla Martin (Stuarts Draft, VA/Grace Christian) had 17 digs while Katie Miller (San Antonio, TX/Brandeis) added 16 pick-ups.

The Lady Royals, now 2-6 overall and 0-2 in the ODAC, turn right around to host a tri-match on Saturday.  The day starts with another ODAC tilt against Emory & Henry at 11:00am.  After EHC takes on Southern Virginia at 1:00pm, Eastern Mennonite gets the Knights at 3:00pm.