The Lake Forest College women's volleyball team dropped a 25-20, 25-15, 25-18 decision at Ripon College Friday night.

The Red Hawks never trailed in set one and had doubled up their guests 14-7 when the Foresters rattled off six straight points. Each of sophomore Margaret Almonte's career-high-tying three aces on the night occurred during the run. Ripon, however, responded with seven points in a row to take a more comfortable advantage. Lake Forest closed to within three at 23-20 but could not complete the comeback.

The Foresters jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second set but did not win consecutive points the rest of the way. The home team gradually pulled away and cruised to the set win.

There were several ties during the first part of set three, the last at 13. The Red Hawks were ahead by just two at 20-18 before taking the next five points and the match.

Freshman Rio Dirksen led the Foresters with eight kills, freshman Alisa Kevric with 11 digs, senior Lilly Robinson with 13 assists, and junior Sadie Frye with four blocks.

The loss dropped Lake Forest's overall record to 4-14 and Midwest Conference mark to 1-6. Ripon, meanwhile, improved to 9-16 overall and 3-4 in the league.

The Foresters will close out the season at home next weekend. After hosting a non-conference match against the University of Chicago Friday night at 7:00, they will take on Knox College in the finale Saturday at 1:00 p.m.