Topeka, Kan. - The Maryville volleyball team took a break from league play with a match at No. 15 Washburn who proved worthy of its national ranking by defeating the Saints 25-16, 25-12, 25-15 Tuesday in Topeka, Kan.

Washburn held a narrow lead before the Saints tied the score at 9-9. Zoe Zeiter and Allison Lakin both had kills to tie the set at 10-all and 11-11. Cassidy Arndt notched a solo block to deadlock the score at 12-12 but Washburn scored four straight to take the lead for good. Maryville earned a point on a Washburn miscue but WU tallied four more points in a row for a 20-13 lead and eased to the win.

In the second let, Lakin's kill cut the Washburn lead to 9-5 before the hosts scored six of the next seven points. Emma Basler had a kill for the first of three straight points, and an Ashley Selman kill drew the Saints to 15-8. WU closed the set by scoring eight of the last 10 points.

The Saints tried to rally in the third set and trimmed the WU advantage to 10-8 after a Zeiter kill. Washburn answered with four consecutive points and seven of the next eight to extend its lead. Kara Wright pounded down a kill followed by a WU error. The Saints closed to 19-15 but Washburn ended the match with six straight points.

Lakin led the Saints (2-17) with nine kills. Maggie Murphy finished with 10 digs, while Michelle Escue recorded 12 assists. Washburn improved to 17-4 on the season. Maryville is back in action at the Mizuno Midwest Crossover tournament with two matches Friday, Oct. 14.