TIFFIN -- On Homecoming weekend, the Heidelberg University volleyball team traveled to Marietta for an early afternoon match. In three close sets, the Student Princes fell, 3-0, to the Pioneers. 

The Student Princes fell to 7-17 (2-5 OAC) while the Pioneers improved to 18-5 (6-1 OAC), remaining second in the conference. 

A very back-and-forth first set kept Heidelberg and Marietta neck and neck until the end. The Pioneers went on a 9-0 run to secure the 25-19 victory. Ashley Foster led with four kills and three blocks. 

Heidelberg fell in the third set, 25-21, unable to keep up with the Pioneer's .355 hitting percentage. The Student Princes started the game up three, but the home team quickly went on a run to claim the lead – which they would hold until the remainder of the set. 

Similarly to the first, there was never more than a five-point spread in the third set. In the end, three consecutive kills from Marietta finalized the game at 25-18

Coming hot off of a career-high, Foster led kills with nine. Anamaya Truex and Lexi Evak trailed with six and five, respectively. 

Foster had four blocks on the day, while Gabby Wolfe, Truex and Grace Porter each had two. 

Libero Nicole Thomas picked up 20 digs, the only player in double digits. 

The offense was run through setters Juliana Pena, who had 14 assists and Kelsey Custendborder who put up 11. 

The Heidelberg women's volleyball team will be back in Tiffin for their final two games this week. On Wednesday, they take on Capital for a 7 p.m. start time.