CHICAGO - Freshman Elise Crnjak had a career-high 25 digs in her first match at libero, Friday night, as the Western Illinois volleyball team lost 3-1 (33-31, 17-30, 27-30, 28-30) to the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames.Amy Sauerwein led the Westerwinds? (3-8) offense with 14 kills, but had to take 51 swings, the most of her career, to get them. The total attacks mark is one greater than her previous career high of 50, which was also against the Flames.The Westerwinds used an 8-1 run to breeze back from a 20-28 deficit in the deciding fourth game, getting within one point of the Flames at 28-29. With momentum on their side, an untimely service error by Sauerwien ended the Westerwinds? hopes of game five.Western hit a blistering .347 (21-4-49) in the opening game, but lost momentum to the Flames (5-8) who countered in game two with a 30-17 victory. Head coach Kym McKay?s squad bounced back in a tightly contested game three. The Flames led for most of the period, and were able to achieve a lead greater than three points for five of the match?s 57 plays.The Flames held Western standout Ashley Baker to a .172 hitting percentage and 2.00 kills per game, well below her average of .446, and 3.74 kpg.Next up for the Westerwinds is match two of the Illinois-Chicago Invitational, Saturday at 1 p.m., when they take on the Western Michigan Broncos, who were beaten in five by North Texas in the tournament?s opening contest.- western volleyball -