EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette College volleyball team returned to Kirby Sports Center after five-straight contests on the road, but could not fend off Holy Cross in the team's annual Dig Pink match on Friday night, falling 3-1.

Freshman Grace Tulevech had a career-best 23 kills, hitting .368 with an assist and four blocks. Her kills' total is the most in a single-match by any Patriot League player this season.

Holy Cross (4-16, 3-4 PL) took the back-and-forth opening set, 25-22, while the Leopards (5-15, 0-8 PL) came charging back to take the second, 25-17.

The Maroon and White used a 5-0 run in that second frame to take control with junior Julia Howard at the service line. Howard finished the night with 38 assists to go along with 12 digs, three kills and two service aces.

Lafayette could not carry that momentum into the next two sets, as Holy Cross grabbed two-straight to claim the match.  

Freshman Kelly Austin matched her career best with eight kills to go along with three service aces and a career-high six blocks.

The Leopards take their first Saturday off in six weeks and will return to action on Oct. 19 when they travel to Loyola for a 7 p.m. contest.  

For the latest on the Lafayette College volleyball program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafColVBall, Facebook at Lafayette Volleyball, and Instagram @LafayetteCollegeVolleyball.