WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team defeated Union (Ky.) in straight sets (25-22, 25-12, 25-20) and fell in a close five setter to IU-Southeast (20-25, 13-25, 25-20, 25-14, 11-15) on Friday. The win against Union gave head coach Janay Yancey her first win at UT Southern.

UT Southern held UC to nine kills in each of the three sets.

Sophia Ortega led with 17 kills and 11 digs. Morgan Avrit added 15 terminations and four service aces. Laura Howell contributed six digs and 39 assists. Hailey Walker recorded 10 digs for the Firehawks.

In game two, IU-Southeast took the first pair of sets, but the Firehawks were not done battling. UT Southern returned the favor and evened up the match at two apiece forcing a final set.

Sophia Ortega led with 14 kills and eight digs. Morgan Avrit added 13 kills and 12 digs. Kayle Moody contributed 11 kills on 18 swings. Laura Howell contributed 11 digs and 40 assists. Hailey Walker recorded 13 digs in the match.

NEXT UP

UT Southern will conclude the Cumberlands Invite tomorrow facing Bryan at 12:00 p.m. and Ohio Christian at 2:30 p.m. 

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