The CMS Athenas suffered their first loss to the Chapman University Panthers in 3^rd contest between the 2 schools Friday night. The first of the 5-game battle went in favor of the Athenas as CMS jumped out to a dominant lead and maintained it throughout the game. Strong CMS serving and few hitting errors kept the team on top. A doggedly determined Chapman squad took the floor in game 2, increasing pressure on the Athenas and holding them to just .167 hitting percentage. Middle blocker Jill Felger was excellent for Chapman, tallying multiple kill in the game, en route to her career high 29. A late game run pushed her team ahead and the Athenas lost 27-30. Momentum remained with the Panthers in game 3 and the Athenas dropped the 3rd set 22-30 before rallying back in game 4. Though Chapman held the lead for much of the 4^th set, the Athenas went on a 4-1 run late in the game to tie the score at 30. A CMS kill, followed by an attacking error by Chapman finished the game in the Athenas' favor, 32-30, forcing a 5^th and deciding game. CMC was behind 4-8 at the switch, and trailed 8-10 before notching a string of points that put them ahead 14-12. Chapman called 2 timeouts, and went ahead 15-14 when CMS called its final timeout. The team never had a chance to run the called in play as the final serve fell untouched for a Chapman ace and victory. Senior middle blocker, Camille Butts (SCR, Ontario, CA) led the Athenas with 20 kills and 3 blocks. Lindsay Hull (Sr. OH, Phoenix AZ) had 18 kills in the effort and added 28 digs. Alex Harrison (Jr. CMC, Tucson AZ) led both teams with 63 assists. The CMS loss leaves the team 2-1 versus the Panthers this season. They will take on Muhlenberg College Saturday afternoon at Ducey Gym