CINCINNATI – The Butler volleyball team came up short at Xavier on Friday night to move their overall record to 8-18. The Bulldogs forced extra points in the first two sets (26-24, 26-24) and would eventually drop the third 25-23.
 
Natalie Ravenell played well at Xavier, collecting a team-high 11 kills to go along with six digs and five blocks. Bri Lilly added to the Butler attack with 10 kills and led all players with 11 blocks to earn her third double-double of the year.
 
Butler's defense also got a lift from Elizabeth LaBue and Melody Davidson. LaBue reached 21 digs in the match and Davidson was second on the team with six blocks. Butler ended the night with 18 team blocks.
 
Maddie Freiwald impacted the action with 36 assists, nine digs, and four blocks. Butler would get nine kills and five blocks from Brooke Gregory and senior Taylor Takeda would supply the team with a team-high two service aces.
 
Xavier found the win column behind 13 kills from Laura Grossman. The Musketeers are now 9-16 on the year with seven BIG EAST wins.
 
Butler will return to Hinkle Fieldhouse for their final two home matches of the regular season next weekend. The 'Dawgs will host #19 Marquette and end the weekend with a match vs. DePaul.