LAKE CHARLES--  McNeese volleyball dropped a heartbreaking 3-2 (25-22, 21-25, 13-25, 25-23, 10-15) Southland Conference match to Houston Baptist here Thursday night in a match that could have gone either way.
 
McNeese (7-17, 3-6 SLC), playing in the first of four straight home matches to close out its home slate, had two players record double figure kills. Freshman Katelyn Elliot led the way with 13. Senior Rebecca Korenek added 10. The Cowgirls' defense came up big in extended rallies to help the Cowgirl offense to several key points.
 
As a team, the Cowgirls tallied a total of 88 digs led by senior Bridget Justis who picked up a match-high 30. It is the second time this season that Justis records 30 or more digs in a match. Setter Alexandra Aguilera was credited with 15 while dishing out 43 assists for her 11^th double-double of the season. Adison Giambrone and Angela McGown both had 12 digs apiece. The 12 digs for McGown ties her career high.
 
Jenny D'Alessandro and Korenek combined for nine of the 15 McNeese blocks. D'Alessandro had five blocks while Korenek picked up four.
 
Houston Baptist (15-10, 6-3 SLC) had four players record 10 or more kills and five with double figure digs.
 
Ashlee Vann and Bailey Banks led the Huskies with 17 kills apiece. Vann ended the match with a .378 hitting percent. Blair Gillard led all players with eight blocks and ended the match with 10 kills. Melissa Fuchs also picked up 10 kills.
 
McNeese will return to action to host Lamar in a 12:30 p.m. match Saturday.