PERU - It was anticipated to be a close match and it definitely was one. In the end, the home team won by the closest of margins as William Penn (WPU) topped the Bobcat volleyball team in five in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Tuesday night.

The match lasted two hours and 25 minutes with the Statesmen winning 20-25, 27-25, 27-25, 23-25, 15-13.

Neither team hit the ball very well, but the defense was part of the reason. William Penn hit .095 while the 'Cats hit .076. Both teams finished with 60 kills.

Claire Cudney led all hitters as she finished with a match-high 18 kills. Cudney also had a team-high 23 digs.

With the win, William Penn improved to 10-12 on the season and more importantly, to 5-8 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart). Peru State fell to 7-19 on the year and 3-6 in the Heart.

The Bobcats will play two additional Heart contests this weekend at home. On Friday, the 'Cats will host Benedictine (Kan.) at 7 p.m. The Ravens are 11-14 on the season and are 6-3 in the Heart.

On Saturday at 2 p.m., the Baker (Kan.) Wildcats will be at the AWAC. The Wildcats are 9-16 on the year and are 3-6 in the Heart.