HOLLAND, Mich. – The Bulldogs opened at Hope College for their first MIAA match of 2014 as they took on the fourth ranked Flying Dutch. Adrian took on this tough matchup with tough play as they forced Hope into errors but could not overcome the Flying Dutch as they fell, 3-0. This loss leaves the overall record for the Bulldogs at 2-3 and their MIAA record at 0-1.

The first set opened with Hope jumping out to an early 4-1 lead. The Bulldogs then battled back into the set as they brought the score to 12-10 in favor of Hope half way through. Hope responded with five straight points, and the Bulldogs could not recover as they fell in the first set, 25-16.

The second set saw the Bulldogs test Hope until the end. Adrian started out slow as they fell into an early 10-6 deficit, but responded with multiple three-point runs as they took the lead 14-13. The teams then traded points, but a Flying Dutch four-point run put the set just out of reach as Adrian fell in the set, 25-19.

The final set was highlighted by a fast start by the Flying Dutch that left the Bulldogs behind 7-1. Adrian was able to bring the set to a close 9-5 score, but Hope responded by tallying eight straight points. The Bulldogs could not overcome this margin as Hope took the set 25-9, and the match 3-0.

Offensively, Adrian was led by Inessa Bell as she recorded six kills. Marisa Dion tallied 15 assists to help the Bulldog attack while Jordan Brisson and Jessica Walters compiled eight digs apiece to lead the defense.

The Bulldogs will see action again September 5 when they open at home against Alma at 4:30 p.m. and Mount Union at 8:30 p.m.