Villanova, Pa. ? Kansas University’s volleyball team suffered a three-set loss to defending national champion Penn State on Saturday in the Villanova Classic.

Penn State defeated KU, 25-10, 27-25, 25-23.

Earlier Saturday, the Jayhawks (9-2) dropped their opening set for the first time this season but claimed a 19-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-17 victory over American University.

“There are some things to take away from this to feel good about, but we won’t settle for a three-set loss, either,” KU coach Ray Bechard said. “Even though sets two and three were close, you’ve got to find a way to at least get one of those to extend the match.”

In KU’s win over American, Chelsea Albers recorded a career-high 22 kills.

KU and American were both participants in the NCAA Sweet 16 last season, but American fell to 4-4 with its loss to Kansas.

Tayler Soucie recorded seven blocks and added seven kills. Kayla Cheadle had 10 kills, Cassie Wait added 15 kills, and Ainise Havili had 49 assists and nine digs.