Despite bounding out to a commanding advantage, Pitt-Johnstown couldn't quite seal the deal against Clarion in a 3-2 setback on Saturday afternoon.

The Mountain Cats dropped to 15-5 (3-4 PSAC West) following a 25-16, 25-20, 17-25, 22-25, 9-15 decision. Four out of their five losses this season have gone the distance.

Natalie Lippincott stacked a team-high 14 kills and added three blocks and seven digs. Lualis Alvarado contributed 13 kills. Ellie Zuro chipped in 12 kills and had three blocks. Mallory Pinske set a season-high for any Mountain Cat this season with seven blocks to go along with 10 kills on a .333 hitting percentage.

Adiamar Beaz compiled 50 assists to pair with 17 digs. Gabriella DeRenzo provided match-highs 27 digs and four service aces.

Clarion began the final set with a 4-1 cushion, and Pitt-Johnstown never really recovered despite tying it at 6-all with the help of two miscues. An 8-1 run for the Golden Eagles that was only briefly interrupted by a Pinske kill made it 14-7. Beaz and Lippincott swatted back-to-back kills, but the rally quickly stalled. 

After the first set was tied 10-10, the Mountain Cats went on a 7-2 spurt aided by three straight kills from Alvarado. They never trailed again, and back-to-back kills from Pinske sealed a 1-0 lead.

After falling into an 18-14 hole in the second set, Pitt-Johnstown dug in with a 9-0 run field by three kills from Pinske to go on top 23-18. A service kill and another kill from Pinske brought the set to a close.

Cassidy Snider tallied a match-high 23 kills for the Golden Eagles, who moved to 11-7 (5-2 PSAC West).

The Mountain Cats visit Slippery Rock on Tuesday for a 6:30 p.m. matchup.