NEWARK, DE -- Senior Heather Ranck (right) recorded a game-high 22 digs and moved into sixth place all-time at Delaware with 1,410 for her career but the Delaware volleyball team was unable to upend Villanova as the Wildcats handed the Hens their second straight home loss, 3-1 (30-26, 24-30, 30-25, 30-28), in non-conference action Wednesday evening at Viera Court.

For the Blue Hens, sophomore Kelly Gibson posted a game-high 22 kills and 17 digs while Colleen Walsh tallied 20 kills. Senior Claire McCormack recorded a season high-14 kills and also had a game-high six service aces for the Hens.

After an extremely close first game that Villanova took 30-26, Delaware got off to a hot start in game two by jumping out to an 8-2 lead. After the Wildcats cut the lead to 11-8, Claire McCormack served three straight service aces to give the Hens a 14-8 lead and they never looked back, taking the game 30-24.

After a back and forth game three, Delaware had a 20-19 lead before Villanova went on a 9-1 run, caped off by an Alona Cherkez kill to give the Wildcats a 28-21 lead. Villanova closed out the game 30-25 to take the 2-1 lead.

In the final game, Villanova continued its hot hitting at the end of games by ending the match on a 7-3 run to close out the Hens 30-28.

Villanova was led by five players with double figure kills including Cherkez, who posted a team-high 16 to go along with a team-high 18 digs. Chelsea Graman chipped in with 10 kills and 14 digs for the Wildcats.

The Hens will return to action Friday when they host Hofstra, which sits atop the Colonial Athletic Association standings. Match time is set for 7 p.m.

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