MADISON, N.J. – The Drew University women's volleyball battled No. 6-ranked Juniata College to a pair of tight decisions in the first two sets, but the Eagles handed the Rangers a 3-0 setback in the Landmark Conference opener for both teams Friday evening in Baldwin Gym.
 
Juniata, the three-time defending Division III national champion, won by scores of 25-21, 25-21, 25-15.
 
Junior Alyssa Rachwal distributed 12 assists for the Rangers while sophomore Aidyn Stone scooped eight digs. Senior Inaya Stanford, sophomore Lindsey Millis, and freshman Jasmine Brewer posted four kills each for the Rangers.
 
The opening set was a back-and-forth match-up that featured 11 ties and seven lead changes. The Rangers used a 4-0 spurt that included kills from Shirk and Stanford to go up 17-14, and they still led by three following a kill from junior Meghan Pullen that made it 20-17. However, Juniata pulled away late with a 8-1 run.
 
In the second set, the Eagles led 12-4 before the Rangers came roaring back with a 10-2 surge, pulling to within 14-12. The Rangers continued to stay within striking distance and made it a one-point affair (21-20) following a 5-0 run before the Eagles ended the set on a 4-1 spurt.
 
Juniata outscored Drew 16-6 to start the final set, but the Rangers climbed back into it with a 5-0 run. However, the Eagles came back with a 6-2 run to pull away for good.
 
The Rangers are back home on Saturday, when they host a tri-match featuring Landmark Conference foe Lycoming College and non-conference opponent City College of New York.