CHICAGO – Butler fell 3-2 against DePaul Friday evening in the first BIG EAST match of the season (25-22, 20-25, 26-24, 14-25, 18-20). Butler had two more aces in the match, but DePaul leading in attacking percentage (.214 to .145) would be a determining factor in the match.
 
How It Happened
The first set was close from the beginning, there were eight ties, four lead changes, and the largest lead for either team was just five points. The Bulldogs and Blue Demons traded points at the beginning of the set, and Butler would eventually go on a three-point run to make it 11-8. DePaul would quickly tie it at 11-11, and then started to build a lead, eventually taking a five point lead at 21-16. Butler finished strong and took nine of the last 10 points to win the set 25-22.
 
The second set was even tighter than the first, featuring 12 ties and seven lead changes. The last tie would come at 19-19, after that DePaul took the lead and did not look back. The Blue Demons would finish the set on a four-point run to take it 25-20 and tie the match.
 
The third set featured larger runs from each team. Butler started strong to take the lead early, but DePaul was able to tie it at 14-14. After that, DePaul would rattle off a five-point run. Butler slowly started to climb back and would eventually tie it at 22-22. The teams exchanged points until Butler was able to get two-straight and win the set 26-24.
 
DePaul got the lead early in the fourth set and would not give it up. The Blue Demons were quickly up 4-1 and continued to just stretch their lead. Butler was able to make a push at one point and tie it at 11-11, but DePaul quickly took the lead back and eventually won the set 25-14 to force the match into a fifth set.
 
The fifth set was completely back and forth with 11 ties, five lead changes, and five total match points. DePaul held the lead early, until Butler tied it at 7-7. Butler got a small lead, until DePaul tied it again at 11-11, then the teams would go point for point, trading match points. DePaul would eventually close the match 20-18.
 
Stat of the Game
Madison Friebel posted her fifth double-double of the season with 46 assists and 17 digs.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Brittany Robinson, Marisa Guisti, and Melody Davidson all recorded 13 kills to lead the Bulldogs.
- Hannah Kelly led the team with 18 digs and three aces, both career-highs.
- Butler led DePaul in service aces (6-4) and digs (81-74).
- Marisa Guisti also had a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs. 

What's Next
The Bulldogs face off against the Blue Demons again tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM in Chicago.