Led by Docter’s 14 kills and 11 digs and rookie outside hitter Kathleen Wallace’s 16 kills, the Crimson battled back from a 2-0 deficit to force a fifth set on Friday.

“We all got really fired up,” said Cooney, who left the game in the first set due to injury. “We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but there wasn’t a single moment in that game where I think anyone was willing to let them win. We just kind of kept fighting.”

But Middle Tennessee State (3-4) used an 8-2 run to close the final set and to take the match.

“That was a fun one,” Skelly said. “It was tough to lose, but I think our chemistry really paid off.”

Blue Raiders freshman Chelsea Ross fueled the squad’s game-ending run, scoring three of her team’s final four points. Ross notched six of her game-high 19 kills in the final set.

But Ross wasn’t the only rookie making an impact in the fifth frame. Wallace recorded three of the Crimson’s five kills in the final set. The freshman finished with 16 kills, six errors, and three digs.

“For a volleyball player at her position, she’s kind of small, but her vertical is like eight inches taller than anyone else’s,” said Skelly of Wallace, who is listed at 5’8”. “She goes up there, and she’s not afraid. We’re playing against girls five or six inches taller than her, and she’ll hit over them, off their hand—find the smart shot.”

Cooney added, “To see a freshman playing as composed as she was is very promising. She was still scoring points in high-pressure situations. She’s a really dynamic player, and it will be great to see her play more.”

Sophomore middle blocker Caroline Walters chipped in with 13 kills, and senior setter Beth Kinsella led the Crimson with 26 assists. Rookie setter Hannah Schmidt added 22 assists.

—Staff writer Martin Kessler can be reached at martin.kessler@college.harvard.edu.