Colorado College gave second-ranked Emory University all it could handle, but the Tigers dropped a heartbreaking 23-25, 27-25, 26-24, 25-13 decision to the Eagles on Friday afternoon in the second round of the NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament in San Antonio, Texas.

 

CC finished its season with a 27-12 record.

 

Sophomore middle blocker Emily Perkins led the Tiger attack, hitting .351 with 16 kills on 37 attacks with only three errors. Senior outside hitter Anna Clithero added 14 kills in her final match for the black and gold.

 

Freshman setter Annie Bernacchi had a team-high 13 digs and first-year libero Hannah Varnell chipped in with 12.

 

Seven of the eight Tigers who played in all four sets are in either their first or second season at Colorado College.

 

Senior middle hitter Dani Huffman had a match-high 19 kills and 14 digs for the Eagles, while junior outside hitter had 15 kills.

 

The Tigers had a 24-19 lead in the second set, but Emory took advantage of a net violation on an attack that went long and a blocked shot that a trio of CC players thought landed outside the line to keep a 6-0 run alive.

 

Colorado College had a two-point lead late in the third set, but was unable to seal the victory.

 

The Eagles will play Southwestern University in Saturday's regional final. The Pirates knocked off host Trinity University in five sets.