The Washington Demons fell in heart-breaking fashion Tuesday night in a tight conference volleyball match at Burlington. Washington was edged out by Burlington 26-24 in the first set but bounced back to claim the second frame 25-20.

The same events played out in the back half of the match, with the Greyhounds winning the third set close, 27-25, before the Demons took the fourth set 25-18. It came down to the slimmest of margins, with the fifth and final set pushed to extra points. Unfortunately for Washington, it was Burlington who had the edge and won 16-14.

Despite the defeat, the Demons still had multiple standout performers. Sophomore outside hitter Leighton Messinger had a team-high 22 kills and also picked up three serving aces. Junior hitter Ella Greiner put up 18 kills and 26 digs.

Despite having just one kill, Washington sophomore outside hitter Taylor Miksch had a big impact on the match with four aces, 17 digs and two blocks. Senior setter Remy Messinger had two kills and 22 assists. Along with dishing out 16 additional assists, junior setter Lauren Hinrichsen had seven digs and a pair of aces for the Demons, who drop to 1-1 in the Southeast Conference and 4-10 overall. Washington is off a week, next playing Tuesday at home against Fairfield.