MARIETTA, GA. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team fought hard to win in four sets (25-22, 26-24, 23-25, 25-15) on Friday (Aug. 26) against former Southern States foe Brenau.

Brenau appeared to have total control in the first two sets, but the Firehawks brawled their way out of a 7-16 deficit to win the first set. In the second set, the Tigers appeared to be on the hunt jumping out to an 0-8 lead. UTS would put the felines into hibernation taking their first lead late in the match at 20-19. The disgruntled Tigers traded haymakers with the Firehawks with the match on the line. Brenau would slip past Tennessee Southern to force a fourth set. The final set was tooth and nail until the Firehawks would take nine out of 10 points late in the set. 

Two Firehawks would record double-digit kills. Brianna Turner led with 16 kills and Sophia Ortega added 14. Laura Howell recorded 41 of the 47 assists for the Firehawks. Dakota Graham recorded a match-high 9 rejections.

In match two, the Firehawks (3-3) couldn't ground the host Runnin' Eagles falling in four sets (14-25, 26-28, 25-18, 11-25). Life led early and often in the first and final stanzas giving the Firehawks their third loss of the season. UTS went toe to toe with the 2021 Mid-South Conference champions in the middle two sets.

Morgan Avrit was the only Firehawk in double-figure kills with 10 on 32 swings. Howell posted 28 helpers. 

NEXT UP

Tennessee Southern will conclude the Runnin' Eagle Classic tomorrow meeting Columbia International at noon and Bryan at 2 p.m. 

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