TOLEDO, Ohio – The Western Michigan volleyball team dropped the finale of its weekend series against Toledo 3-1 (25-21, 25-17, 22-25, 25-21) on Saturday at Savage Arena.
 
Maggie King paced the Western Michigan attack for the second straight day, totaling 16 kills. Madison Merz added eight kills and served up a career-high four aces for the Broncos (14-6, 7-2). Logan Case collected a team-high 41 assists, while Maddie Arundel led all players with a career-high tying 18 digs for WMU.
 
Neither team had much in the way of breathing room in the opening set, as the two teams found themselves tied 14 times throughout the first frame. With the set even at 18-18, Toledo (15-5, 6-2) reeled off four in a row to seize a 22-18 edge. WMU got within 22-20, but the Rockets notched three of the next four to take the opener.
 
Western Michigan ran out to a 7-3 lead in the second set. With the Broncos in front 9-6, Toledo rattled off five in a row to spark a 12-2 surge which put the hosts ahead, 18-11. The Rockets kept WMU at bay from there to move in front 2-0 in the match.
 
A 6-0 run helped the Broncos break a 4-4 tie and seize a 10-4 edge in the third frame. Another 4-1 WMU spurt extended the margin to 14-6. Still in front 17-13, Western Michigan reeled off six of the next seven to put the set beyond reach and push the contest to a fourth frame.
 
With the Rockets holding a 10-9 edge in the fourth frame, WMU went on a 5-1 run to move ahead, 14-11. Toledo got back to within one, 16-15, but Western Michigan responded and built its lead back to 21-17. From there, the Rockets ripped off eight consecutive points to halt the Broncos' comeback attempt and take the match, 3-1.
 
Western Michigan returns to University Arena next Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23, to take on Ball State. The series opener against the Cardinals is set for 6 pm on Friday night. Fans can purchase tickets to any WMU volleyball home match here.