Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin volleyball built a two-set advantage before Padua rallied to take a five-set North Coast Conference match, 15-25, 20-25, 25-19, 28-26, 15-10, at NDCL.

The Lions controlled the opening stages of the match, taking the first set 25-15 before following with a 25-20 victory to move within one set of the conference win.

Padua responded in the third, winning 25-19 to extend the match.

The fourth proved to be the closest set of the night. NDCL had an opportunity to close the match, but the Bruins prevailed 28-26 to force a decisive fifth set. Padua carried that momentum into the finale and took the fifth 15-10 to complete the comeback.

Frankie Brkic and Madeline Rand shared the team lead with nine kills apiece. Brkic added 15 digs, three aces and two blocks, while Rand recorded 13 digs, two aces and three blocks.

Ryley Murphy directed the NDCL offense with 36 assists while contributing 11 digs, two aces, two blocks and a kill.

Sam Wheeler anchored the back row with a match-high 28 digs and added three aces and three assists.

At the net, Audra Smith contributed four kills and three blocks. Kendall Sminchak added four kills and a block, while Julie Janosy finished with four kills.

The Lions will look to build from the strong opening two sets and their extended fourth-set battle as they continue through the second half of the season.