GRINNELL, Iowa – Grinnell College's volleyball team stepped out of Midwest Conference play Wednesday night, falling in four sets to Simpson College at Darby Gymnasium.
 
Simpson (11-8) won by scores of 25-20, 25-19, 18-25 and 25-13.
 
On a night when Payton Lowrey '23 moved up to third on the Grinnell career chart for ace serves, she also led the team in digs with 15 while Rachel Woock '24 registered 10.
 
Woock had three ace serves, while Lowrey and Sophie Weber '25 added two apiece. Lowrey now has 188 in her career and is tied with Amber Donahue. She is just 11 behind Kaylin Kuhn's school record of 199.
 
Haley Taka '26 led Grinnell (12-6) in kills with 13 and Emily Brewer '24 added 33 assists. Malaina Miles '24 had three total blocks.
 
After losing the first two sets, Grinnell came on strong in the third by grabbing a 7-3 lead. The Pioneers led throughout, though the Storm were still within 20-16 when Grinnell went on a 4-0 run thanks to an ace by Woock and kills from Woock and Taka. After two Simpson points, Brewer's kill gave Grinnell the win.
 
However, Simpson responded in the fourth set to secure the victory.
 
Grinnell celebrates Senior Night Friday when Lawrence University visits Darby Gymnasium for a 7 p.m. test. Ripon College comes calling Saturday with a 1 p.m. start.