MEADVILLE, Pa. - Allegheny and Hiram came into tonight's match-up on two different ends of the NCAC standings, but that didn't stop them from putting on a classic performance. The back and forth affair would come down to a fifth and final set, and saw the visiting Terriers leave with a 3-2 (26-24, 12-25, 26-24, 13-25, 6-15) victory.

Hiram would take the early lead in the first set, but stellar defense from the Gators would prevent the Terriers from getting on any streak longer than three. Allegheny's ability to prevent Hiram from mounting any long rallies kept the Gators in the first set. Finally Allegheny would take advantage as they would go on a six point rally to take a 21-20 lead. After another stretch of trading leads, freshman Katelynn Long would spike home a kill to put Allegheny up 25-24. The ensuing possession for Hiram would result in an attack error, and Allegheny would take the first set.

The second set was controlled throughout by the Terriers. Hiram would have as large as a 13 point lead, en route to an easy 25-15 victory.

Set number three was almost a carbon copy of set number one. The two teams would trade the lead seven times until senior Caitlin Rothman took an assist from NCAC player of the week Madie Hudac and slammed it home to give the Gators a 26-24 win, and 2-1 lead.

However, an upset was not in the cards as Hiram would dominate the fourth set, forcing a decisive fifth set. The Terriers would take control from the opening serve, and cruise to a 15-6 win, to take the game three games to two.

Rothman shined with 13 kills and three blocks, Hudac would contribute 34 assists and 11 digs, while freshman Alyssa Babbit added 22 digs as the Gators fall to 6-13 overall, and 1-6 in NCAC play.

Allegheny will be off until Friday, when they travel to the Nation's capital, Washington, D.C. to take part in the Gallaudet University Tournament on October 7, and 8.