OBERLIN, Ohio - Oberlin College volleyball dropped a tight five-set battle to the Kenyon College Ladies on Friday night to open North Coast Athletic Conference play for both schools.

After dropping the first frame, 17-25, to the Ladies the Yeowomen responded immediately to capture the second, 25-20. The two sides again traded sets in the third and fourth to force a fifth.

The Crimson and Gold got out in front, 9-5 in the final frame, but a Kenyon rally prevented the Yeowomen from taking the conference opener as they fell 12-15.

Spearheading the Oberlin offense against the group from Gambier was first-year Lexi Mitchell, who tallied 20 kills in the loss to accompany her two assists, eight digs and two block assists. While Mitchell was the only Yeowomen to finish in double figures, Dana Thomas was the next best offensive threat with nine kills over the five-set bout.

The defensive effort was led by senior Krista Langhans who celebrated Senior Night with a team-high 14 digs followed by sophomore libero Emily Kelkar with 13 and fourth-year Meredith Leung with ten.

Leung and second-year Sara Chang have had great success thus far sharing the responsibilities of setter as the two finished in double figures against the Ladies. Chang led the effort with 20 assists, followed by Leung's 12 and first-year Samantha Lam who tallied six.

The Yeowomen will return to the court tomorrow as they continue to role  through NCAC competion at the College of Wooster.

Action from Timken Gymnasium is slated for 5 p.m.