HARRISONBURG, Va. - Mary Baldwin got off to a strong start Wednesday evening, winning the opening set from Eastern Mennonite, but EMU rallied to win the next three sets to win the non-conference match.

MBU raced out to a 9-1 lead in the first set and never trailed. Sydney Clarke sparked the early dominance with a kill and two service aces. EMU rallied late to pull within 24-21, but a Royals' service error on set point closed out the first set with MBU taking the 25-21 victory.

EMU jumped out to a quick 5-1 lead in the second set, but the Fighting Squirrels scored seven of the next eight points to lead 8-6. MBU led 13-8 before the home team scored five straight points to pull even, 13-13. MBU surged ahead 21-16 and was on the verge of taking the second set, but four straight points by the Royals closed the margin to one. A block by Hannah Myers and Megan Andrews followed by a Kate Rudolph kill put the Squirrels on top 23-20. Eastern Mennonite scored the next four points for a 24-23 lead, but an EMU service error allowed MBU to pull even at 24-24. The Royals scored the next two points to take the second set 26-24.

The third set was tied at 12-12 before a 9-2 spurt put EMU out front 21-14. MBU closed the margin to four, 23-19, on an ace by Clarke, but EMU scored the next two poiints to take the third set 25-19.

Another big run midway through the fourth set allowed EMU to open a big lead and Royals closed out the match, taking the fourth set 25-17.

Rachel Christian paced the MBU net game with 13 kills and Clarke added 11. Emily Link led the team with 12 assists, followed by Rudolph with 10. Soleil Rios Rolon finished with nine digs for the Squirrels.

Mary Baldwin, now 3-6, will host a tri-match Saturday with Virginia Union and Southern Virginia.