ROCKFORD, Ill. – The Harper College volleyball team dropped a conference matchup at Rock Valley College on Thursday night in straight sets (22-25, 15-25, 18-25).

The Hawks (12-5, 3-2 N4C) fell behind 18-11 in the first set and could not mount a full comeback. Morgan Peterson (Roselle, Ill./Conant ) led the offense with five kills while Meghan Chartier (Inverness, Ill./Buffalo Grove) totaled eight digs and was 8-of-8 serving with an ace.

Rock Valley (9-9, 5-1 N4C) came out strong once again in the second set, building a 19-9 lead on their way to victory. Middle hitter Sarah Berggren (Barrington, Ill./Barrington) had two blocks for Harper in the set.

The Hawks played better to start the third set, as the two teams were tied at 6-6 early. However, the Golden Eagles used a 12-5 run to take command of the game and earn a straight-set victory.

For Harper, Peterson paced the attack with eight kills, and Lindsey Murphy (Lake in the Hills, Ill./Crystal Lake South) had 15 assists. Chartier totaled 22 digs in the match.

The Hawks look to get back on track this weekend at the Harper College Invitational. They take on Black Hawk College-Moline and John A. Logan College on Friday and No. 2 Rochester Community and Technical College and South Suburban College on Saturday. For the Harper College Invitational 2014 Fan Packet, click here.