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CLARION, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University volleyball team (9-19, 4-11) fell in four sets at Clarion (25-2, 14-1) in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-Western Division action Tuesday night.

The Rock utilized a strong start in the opening set to put the Golden Eagles on their heels. Slippery Rock held leads of 10-5 and 19-14 before Clarion rallied to tie the game at 19-19. A kill by Caroline Houston and two service aces by Alexandra Fleagle reversed the momentum and propelled The Rock to take the next six points and the set, 25-19.

The loss awoke a powerful Clarion attack, as the Golden Eagles exploded for 15 kills with just three errors to take the second set 25-13.

Slippery Rock faced a similar deficit in the third set after falling behind 17-9, but The Rock dug in and surged to tie the set at 23-23. Clarion, however, outlasted the visitors to notch a 26-24 win and take a 2-1 match advantage.

Facing defeat, The Rock jumped out to a 14-11 advantage in the fourth set before Clarion reeled off 10 straight points to take a commanding 21-14 lead. Undeterred, Lauren Rojek served The Rock to six straight points to reduce the deficit to one at 22-21. Slippery Rock would get no closer as consecutive kills from Carlie Bieranowski gave Clarion a 25-21 win to take the match, 3-1.

Houston led Slippery Rock with 11 kills, followed by Kristy Lake with nine kills. Jaden Zimmer chipped in four kills and led the team with four blocks, while Fleagle added eight kills, 14 assists and 11 digs.

Kayla Woo paced the defense with 22 digs, while Rojek added 15 digs of her own. Janna Reilly recorded 21 assists in the loss.

Bieranowski dominated the net for Clarion, recording 23 kills with a .327 attack percentage. Emily Stewart was also impressive, tallying 14 kills in the win.

The loss extends Slippery Rock's winless streak to a season-high eight games, while Clarion keeps pace with California (Pa.) for the top spot in the PSAC-West.

The Rock returns to PSAC-West action Friday, Nov. 1 at Gannon University. Game time is set for 7 p.m. in Erie, Pa.