MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team came up short in five sets on the road against rival Bethel on Wednesday.
UT Southern (5-11) came out and jumped to a large lead over the home team and never trailed in the opening set. With the 1-0 lead, the Wildcats returned the favor leading 12-6 and never looking back to tie the match at one. In the third set, both teams would trade the lead as there would be 14 ties in the set. A late Bethel run would and give them the 2-1 set lead. never relinquishing the lead.  In a must win set, the Firehawks pinned back the Wildcats and forced a final set. In the rubber set, the Firehawks, won the opening point, but the Wildcats put together a 10-2 run to foil the Firehawks in Crisp Arena.
STAT LEADERS
Kills: Sophia Ortega – 17 on 38 attempts
           Morgan Avrit – 11 on 49 swings
           Emma Beardsley – 10 on 24 attacks
Assists: Laura Howell – 45
Digs: Isabella Garza – 24
           Hannah Oliver – 15
           Sophia Ortega - 11
NEXT UP
The Firehawks will return home for Hawktoberfest, hosting Middle Georgia State on Friday, October 18^th. First serve at the Curry Athletic Complex is set for six p.m.
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