OSKALOOSA, Iowa - The Grinnell College volleyball team battled William Penn University on even terms the entire match Wednesday night, but the Lady Statesmen escaped with a 27-25, 25-21, 25-23 sweep in non-conference play.

The Pioneers nearly forced a fourth set, rallying from a 20-12 deficit with the aid of a Kaylin Kuhn '21 service run that included four aces as the visitors earned a 20-all tie. Grinnell later went ahead 23-22 on a kill by Emma Willhardt '19 before the the Lady Statesmen scored the final three points for the win.

The first set was tight throughout, with Grinnell earning multiple ties down the stretch including 23-all on a kill by Kuhn. Kuhn's service ace put Grinnell a point from victory, but William Penn then scored. After a kill by Hannah Taylor '21 made it 25-24 in favor of Grinnell, the Lady Statesmen tallied three points for the set victory.

The second set was also back and forth, with Grinnell taking a 12-11 lead on Julianna Roth's '22 ace. However, the hosts scored five of the next six points and went on to win from there.

Kuhn finished with 13 kills and Willhardt had 10 while hitting .318. Madison Smith '20 and Payton Lowrey '22 each had 14 digs and Kuhn tallied three total blocks and five aces. Roth dished out 36 assists.

Grinnell is now 9-10 on the season, while William Penn moved to 13-5. The Pioneers have a busy day Saturday in Darby Gymnasium, opening Midwest Conference play at noon against Ripon College and stepping out of league play at 4 p.m. with a match against Central College.