CHICAGO – University of Chicago's women's volleyball program toppled fifth-ranked Calvin in a five-set thriller on Wednesday evening in non-conference action in front of a raucous crowd inside the Ratner Athletics Center.

The Maroons traded sets in the first four frames before coming back from an 11-7 deficit in the fifth and final frame, winning 17-15 to pull off their second-consecutive victory over top-five competition. UChicago dropped sets one and three, but garnered wins of 25-16 and 25-13 in sets two and four, respectively. 

The last time the Maroons and the Knights had faced off inside Ratner was Sept. 18, 2019. Calvin came in as the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, but UChicago proved up to the challenge by securing a 3-1 win.

Maggie McInerney and Natalie Schildt each totaled 16 kills to pace a Maroon attack that hit .222 in the match while holding Calvin to just .130. Diya Mishra was excellent both offensively and defensively, racking up seven kills and 11.0 blocks. Fellow middle blocker Ellie Alden ripped off 11 kills and added 4.0 blocks. Cami Cox chipped in with eight kills and also had 4.0 blocks. 

Net defense proved crucial, as UChicago racked up 15 blocks compared to two by Calvin.

Maya Patel and Maddie Ryan combined for 48 assists to facilitate the UChicago attack. Libero Julia Craig collected 22 digs and added 10 assists, anchoring the defensive back line. Schildt led the way with 24 digs.

The Maroons, winners of four-straight, will take on Wisconsin-Oshkosh and North Park on Friday, Sept. 23, beginning at 2 p.m. CT.