HILLSDALE, Mich. - In its first conference match of the 2010 season, the Wayne State University volleyball team (2-3, 0-1) lost a 3-0 result at 24th-ranked Hillsdale College (4-1, 1-0 GLIAC) on Tuesday evening.

Wayne State, which has played three of its five matches this season against nationally-ranked teams, struggled offensively against Hillsdale as the Chargers out-hit the Warriors, .326 to .029.

Katarzyna Sak (Warren, Mich./Cousino) and Kristen Bulkiewicz (LaSalle, Ont./Sandwich) tied for team-high honors with seven kills apiece, while Maureen MacDonald (White Lake, Mich./Marian) contributed six. Sak also collected three blocks and a career-high four service aces.

After decisively winning the first set, 25-10, the Chargers opened the second on a 13-3 run before the Warriors took four of the next five points. Hillsdale still managed to close out the set, 25-17.

Wayne State seemed poised to force a fourth set, as the Warriors held the lead in the third until the Chargers tied it at 16-16 on an 8-2 run. The Warriors later had a 24-22 advantage but were unable to finish it off, as Hillsdale nabbed five of the next six points for a 27-25 victory.

Amanda Wetherill (Forest, Ohio/Riverdale) chipped in five blocks, and Kris Vulaj (Redford, Mich./Union) finished with four.

Wayne State will open its 2010 home schedule this weekend, hosting GLIAC newcomer Lake Erie on Friday and Ashland on Saturday. Both matches are slated for 7:00 p.m. starts.