The Georgetown volleyball team (5-5) suffered a tough loss to crosstown rival George Washington, 3-2 (25-20, 25-20, 26-24, 25-20 and 15-11), on Tuesday. The match was a makeup of the final game of the D.C. Challenge from August 27, which was postponed due to Hurricane Irene.

“The loss to GWU on Tuesday night was heartbreaking,” Head Coach Arlisa Williams said. “We played well but inconsistently and know that we missed some big opportunities.”

The Hoyas won the first and the third set and played Colonials tight in all the others. The match was close from the start, each team always within three points of the other.

After a kill by sophomore outside hitter Brooke Bachesta tied the first set at 20, the Hoyas never looked back. Georgetown finished the set on a 6-0 run that was highlighted by three service aces by senior setter Ashley Malone.

George Washington was in control for most of the second set. The Colonials did not let their lead shrink below three points following a kill that made the score 16-12. They would go on to take the set, 25-20.

In the third set, Georgetown responded by jumping out a quick 11-5 lead. A kill by redshirt sophomore middle blocker Annalee Abell allowed the Hoyas to extend their lead to 21-10 at one point. The Colonials had the answer, though, exploding for a 14-3 run that tied the set at 24-24. A George Washington service error and a service ace by senior libero Tori Rezin gave Georgetown the set, 26-24.

With the match at 2-1, George Washington would go on to win two straight games, 25-20 and 15-11, and the match, 3-2. The Colonials’ 2-1 lead in the fourth set ensured they would not trail the rest of the match.

Senior setter Ashley Malone recorded a solid .364 hitting percentage and led the Hoyas with 43 assists, 16 digs, and three service aces.

“Ashley is an extremely knowledgeable and talented player,” Williams said. “She can run a very diverse offense and put all of our hitters in a position to get kills.”

Junior middle blocker Lindsay Wise compiled a team-high 12 kills and also contributed a service ace, a solo block and a dig.

“Lindsay is a huge blocking presence for us and has stepped up her game offensively this year,” Williams said.

The Hoyas will travel to Shenandoah Valley, Va. this weekend for the James Madison University Classic. Their first match is today at 5 p.m. against Appalachian State. On Saturday, they will face off against James Madison and Eastern Tennessee State.

“We will take each match as it comes, make sure that we are well prepared and that each player plays her role,” Williams said. “It should be a fun weekend.”