The Alma College Volleyball team, fresh off of a 3-1 season start at the Bluffton Tournament, began MIAA play on Tuesday night when they traveled to Hope College. The Scots lost a 3-0 (15-25, 23-25, 11-25) match to the Flying Dutch in the league opener for both schools.

After dropping the first set 25-15, the Scots played with determination throughout the second set and had a chance to win all the way to the end. But, Hope made some key plays in the final stages and were able to squeak away with the 25-23 victory. The Flying Dutch rode that momentum into the third set and dispatched of the visitors by a mark of 25-11 in the deciding third set.

Sr. MH Lea Klooster (Jenison, Mich./Jenison) led the Scots with eight kills and added nine digs in the loss. Sr. S Erika VanHavel (Mason, Mich./Mason) paced Alma with a team-high 15 assists and had seven digs, while Jr. OH/DS Laura Walker (Roscommon, Mich./Roscommon) finished with five kills and seven digs.

Alma will next play on Friday night when they host Calvin College at Art Smith Arena.