CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Kirkwood volleyball team got off to a good start in its showdown with top-ranked Parkland Friday before falling short.

Parkland topped the seventh-ranked Eagles, 19-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-22.

Heather Poula led Kirkwood (13-2) with 16 kills. Halle Lueck collected 41 assists and Becca Bell had six blocks.

Kirkwood gained a split Friday by topping Muskegon, 25-12, 22-25, 25-21, 25-20, in its other contest. Poula had 16 more kills and Lueck had 41 more assists. Erin Wenzel had 11 kills and Nicole Snyder contributed 17 digs.