Valparaiso dropped a 3-1 (30-27, 26-30, 30-27, 30-28) decision to Kentucky on Friday evening in a tight match at the Kentucky Conference Challenge held in Lexington, Ky.

Jessie Fox (Granger, Ind./Penn H.S.) led the way for the Crusaders with 14 kills while hitting .324 and adding five blocks. Liz Mikos (Dundee, Ill./Jacobs H.S.) added 11 kills and nine blocks, while Amy Palash (Winfield, Ill./Saint Francis H.S.) added a double-double with 13 kills and 24 digs for the Crusaders.

Jessi Novak (Antigo, Wis./Antigo H.S.) also posted a double-double with ten kills and 14 digs. Sara Silcox (Michigan City, Ind./Michigan City H.S.) added 16 digs while Katie Bova (Milwaukee, Wis./Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S.) dished out 54 assists.

Danielle Wallace led the Wildcats with 20 kills while Sarah Spinner added 14 kills and registered 20 digs.

Valpo outhit Kentucky .140-.137 for the match, but saw the percentage bolstered by a .310 percentage in game two. Kentucky (4-2) outdug Valpo 95-77 for the match.

Valparaiso (4-2) will return to action on Saturday morning for day two of the tournament. The Crusaders will face Hofstra at 9 a.m. CDT and Indiana State at 3:30 p.m. CDT.