The Muhlenberg volleyball team played two California schools on its second day at the Leopard Invitational, falling in five sets to UC Santa Cruz and in three to host La Verne to finish 1-3 on its cross-country Fall Break trip.

Sophomore Kelly Tornetta was named to the all-tournament team after recording 39 kills and 38 digs in the four matches.

The Mules (13-7) won the first two sets against Santa Cruz and appeared to be on their way to a sweep when they opened up a 17-11 lead in the third. But the Banana Slugs came back to win the set, 25-23, and rode the momentum to a 25-14 win in the fourth.

Muhlenberg fell behind 10-6 in the fifth set before making a spirited comeback that began when sophomore Erica Schultz knocked down a Santa Cruz overpass. Three straight kills by Tornetta and a service ace by senior Elizabeth Garrison gave the Mules an 11-10 lead. Another kill by Tornetta made it 12-11, but UC Santa Cruz scored the final four points to close out the win.

Tornetta finished with 16 kills, while Schultz tied her career high with 13. Sophomore Shannon Hubert recorded 44 assists to go along with 5 of the Mules' 14 service aces. Senior Elizabeth Garrison added 3 aces and a match-high 24 digs. Freshman Madison Forrest, playing in her home state, set a career high with 5 blocks.

Muhlenberg ran into a buzzsaw for its final match against a La Verne team that is receiving votes in the Division III national poll. After dropping the first set, 25-12, the Mules came out fighting in the second, taking a 14-11 lead and forcing the Leopards to call a timeout.

An ace by Garrison gave Muhlenberg its final lead at 19-18. La Verne (15-4) scored six of the next seven points and won the set, 25-21, then secured the match by taking the third set, 25-12.

Tornetta and senior Allison Glass led the attack with 7 kills apiece. Freshman Gabrielle Neuman had 21 assists in her first career start