WICHITA – It was another challenging day for Newman volleyball's opposing team. The Jets took on St. Edward's Saturday afternoon, taking the Hilltoppers to four sets. St. Edward's came from behind to take the match 3-1.
 
Newman started the match off well winning the first set 25-23. It was back and forth between the score with the 13 kills for the Hilltoppers and 14 kills for the Newman Jets. Junior Haley Dotson recorded half of the Jets total kills with seven. Junior Gabby Loxterman dished out 11 assists to lead the Jets to the 1-0 match lead.
 
St. Edward's took control of the second set. The Jets had spurts of momentum, but it was never enough to take a lead. Senior Katelyn Schmidtberger and Dotson led with four kills apiece. Freshman Dana Shannon recorded the highest amount of digs for the Jets in the second set with 10. After the 25-20 Newman loss, it was tied 1-1.
 
The Jets did not start strong in the third set. The Hilltoppers led by seven most of the time, and led as much as eight points. A block assist from Dotson and Samantha Minihan slowed the pace down of St. Edward's. The Jets rallied back, but it was not enough for the Hilltoppers to complete the game 25-23. Dotson and Schmidtberger, once again, led the Jets with five kills apiece.
 
It was looking positive for Newman in the fourth set. The Jets led most of the set committing a team total of 17 kills. Once Newman hit the 20 point mark with St. Edward's at 15 points, the Hilltoppers took over. The Jets allowed the Hilltoppers to tie the game 20-20. From there Newman could not finish with a win losing 25-23. Loxterman finished with 14 assists for the set.
 
What made the difference for the Hilltoppers was the 15 blocks compared to Newman's three blocks. Dotson finished the day with 22 kills, closely followed by Schmidtberger's 18. Loxterman finished with 48 assists, three kills and 26 digs.
 
Newman moves to a 3-12 overall record and 1-7 in conference play. The Jets will play at Rockhurst Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.