HENDERSON, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Southern volleyball team opened the FHU Invitational on Friday with both a loss and a win. The Firehawks fell in straight sets to Pikeville and swept Tougaloo in the late match of the day.

UTS VS PIKEVILLE

UT Southern (0-2) led early in the first set but couldn't stave off a Bear rally late in the set falling 19-25. UTS led most of the middle set, but UPIKE (1-2) reeled off six of the last seven points to claim the set 23-25. In the final set, the Bears led early and controlled the rest of the match handing the Firehawks their second loss of the early season.

STAT LEADERS

Kills: Sophia Ortega – 15 on 35 attacks.

Assists: Emma Harding – 25

Digs: Isabella Garza – 13

UTS VS TOUGALOO

UT Southern (1-2) controlled the entire match, winning set one 25-11 and set two 25-9. The Bulldogs held tough in the final set, but the Firehawks staved them off down the stretch in sweep 25-20.

STAT LEADERS

Kills: Sophia Ortega – 13 on 43 swings

           Emma Beardsley – 13 on 25 swings

Assists: Emma Harding – 33

Digs: Isabella Garza - 20

NEXT UP

The Firehawks will conclude their play in the FHU Invite on Saturday, August 31. UT Southern will face Fisk at 1 p.m. and host school Freed-Hardeman at 3 p.m.

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