BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The University of Tennessee Southern's volleyball team collected their first program win as FireHawks in a five set thriller, 3-2, over RV Reinhardt University.

"I am proud of our girls for getting our first volleyball win in UTS history," said head coach Jackson Lenoir. "They battled against a tough Reinhardt team and came through. Consistency will be a key for us the rest of the weekend, and I am looking forward to seeing what our team is made of in our first weekend."

The FireHawks dropped the first set, 20-25, before taking the second, 25-17. With the set tied at 1-1, the Eagles looked to be in the driver's seat as UTS fell in the third frame, 22-25. It looked to be over in the fourth set with the FireHawks trailing 20-17, but after a timeout, UTS went on an 8-3 run that led to a 25-23 victory and a chance to win in the fifth.

The final game again was played with dramatics, as Reinhardt was within three points of a win before the FireHawks rattled off six consecutive points to close out the match with a 15-12 decision.

Brianna Turner led the way with 14 kills, while Kara Nelms turned in a double-double of 12 kills and 14 digs. Kaitlyn Lund was the most efficient attacker turning in a .333 clip on eight kills, while also providing a presence at the net with four total blocks. The FireHawks served up 14 aces, including six from Alexis Snow.

The FireHawks finished their first day at the Vette City Classic 1-1 after falling 3-0 to Point University in the nightcap. UTS will round out the weekend against Missouri Valley and Union College on Saturday.