COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Facing their fourth ranked opponent in six matches, the Maryland volleyball team fell to No. 15 Purdue Sunday afternoon, 3-1 (26-24, 20-25, 16-25, 16-25).

“Purdue is an exceptional volleyball team,” said head coach Steve Aird. “They're well-coached, they've got great athletes. I thought we competed pretty well at times, and then at times they just had better stuff going on.”

In the last six matches, the Terps have competed against top teams, including No. 4 Washington, No. 19 USC, No. 16 Illinois and the Boilermakers. Maryland also played Northwestern, which has received votes in the past five AVCA Coaches' Polls.

Maryland controlled the first set as senior outside hitter Ashleigh Crutcher made eight kills on .667 hitting in the first game, as well as five digs. Junior outside hitter Emily Fraik made two early service aces.

The Boilermakers caught up with a 17-12 Terp lead to tie the set at 22. Sophomore setter Whitney Craigo made a kill before Purdue tied the set again. After a Crutcher kill and another tie, a Boilermaker service error and attack error gave Maryland a 26-24 set win over its ranked opponent.

The Terps battled the Boilermakers in the second set as there were 11 ties and three lead changes. After Maryland took an 18-17 lead, Purdue called a timeout, and took back the lead for the remainder of the set.

Sophomore Chavi St. Hill and freshman Hailey Murray combined for three blocks in the second set. Murray also made blocks with junior Kelsey Hrebenach and Fraik and had two unassisted for seven total blocks in the second.

The Boilermakers took control of the match in the third and fourth sets. Purdue jumped out to a 16-9 lead as outside hitter Annie Drews made six kills in the third set. The Terps were able to get within five points before the Boilermakers pulled away for the 25-16 set win.

The fourth set played out similarly as Purdue took an early 11-5 lead. Setter Val Nichol and outside hitter Azariah Stahl each made four kills as the Boilermakers closed out the set 25-16 and took a 3-1 match win.

Crutcher led the Terps with 15 kills and 13 digs for her first double-double of the year. Murray made nine kills on .389 hitting and had eight total blocks. Sophomore setter Carlotta Oggioni dished 25 assists.

Purdue's Annie Drews led the match with 17 kills on .419 hitting.

The Terps' challenging schedule continues next weekend as the team travels to No. 18 Minnesota and No. 6 Wisconsin next Friday and Sunday.