Natalie Ravenell prepares to serve the ball during a game this season. Ravenell led the Bulldogs with 11 kills in their three-set loss at Xavier on Nov. 2. Jimmy Lafakis/Collegian file photo.

JIMMY LAFAKIS | STAFF REPORTER | jlafakis@butler.edu

The Butler University volleyball team lost in three sets to Xavier University on Nov. 2. The Bulldogs fell to 8-18 (5-9 Big East) on the season.

Butler forced the first two sets to extra points (26-24, 26-24), and dropped the final set 25-23. Sophomore outside hitter Natalie Ravenell posted a team-high 11 kills, while adding six digs and five blocks. Senior middle blocker Bri Lilly recorded her third double-double of the year, reaching 10 kills and 11 blocks.

“We blocked really well tonight and started out all of our sets strong,” Ravenell said. “We’ll need to work on finishing sets strong and limiting our errors. That’s what gets us in trouble.”

Freshman libero Elizabeth LaBue contributed 21 digs. Redshirt junior setter Maddie Freiwald added a team-high 36 assists, as well as nine digs and four blocks.

“We are going to be focused on diversifying our offense,” assistant coach Sofia Sanchez said. “Sometimes, we get caught in predictable patterns. We need to take a few more risks with our offense and really get more aggressive.”

Butler returns to Hinkle Fieldhouse to face Marquette University on Nov. 9. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.

“We won’t forget this weekend,” senior defensive specialist Taylor Takeda said. “We’re looking for it to fuel our fight next weekend.”