ASHLAND, Ohio - The 2009 season came to an abrupt end for the Wayne State University volleyball team (19-9), as the Warriors dropped three straight sets in a 3-1 loss at Ashland University (16-13) in the quarterfinals of the GLIAC Tournament on Wednesday night.

The Warriors, who had not qualified for postseason play in consecutive seasons since the late 1990s, won the first set 25-19, but the Eagles swept the next three (25-19, 25-15, 25-20) to advance to the semifinals Saturday at Hillsdale.

These two teams last met in the GLIAC Tournament in 2005, which resulted in a 3-0 Ashland victory.  Wayne State has not won at Kates Gymnasium since 2001.

Leading the Warriors up front was senior Lauren Mallast (Chesterfield, Mich./Anchor Bay) with 12 kills, a .348 hitting percentage, and four blocks.  Freshman Kate Sak (Warren, Mich./Cousino) contributed 10 kills and hit at a .304 clip.

Wayne State looked sharp in the first set, out-hitting Ashland .229 to .028, but the Warriors were unable to solve freshman Brittany Snider who totaled 19 kills, including seven in the third set.  Snider also collected 15 digs for a double-double.

Down by as many as 11 in the fourth, Wayne State valiantly fought back to within four late in the set, but a kill from Hannah Haver put the match away and ensured Ashland a spot in the semifinals.

Nearly recording double-doubles were seniors Sarha Gosselin (Harrison Twp., Mich./Warren Lincoln), who had 11 kills and eight digs, and Candis Jenich (Warren, Mich./Cousino), who finished with nine kills and 16 digs.  Gosselin also chipped in three blocks.

Junior Maureen MacDonald (White Lake, Mich./Marian) led all players with 21 digs.

Wayne State finishes its 2009 season with a 19-9 record, the most wins since 1998 and the best winning percentage since 1997.