Box Score

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team posted a 3-0 (25-22, 25-27, 25-27) upset victory over Valdosta State (Ga.) University Friday evening at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 5-14 on the season and 1-6 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State dropped to 12-4 overall and 5-2 in league play.
 
Union jumped out 3-0 in the first set and never trailed. Valdosta State tied the set several times including the final time at 18-18. Union led 23-19, before Valdosta State cut the deficit to 23-22. Union scored the final two points for the win.

For the 10^th time this season in 19 matches, Union won the first set. However, this victory was just the fifth time Union was able to hold on for the win after claiming the first set victory.
 
"I felt like we came together as a team and encouraged each other tonight", said junior outside hitter Abbey Wainwright. "We have felt like we had been so close is several matches this year. Tonight we played very hard and pulled together to get this win. We didn't get down on ourselves and we were able to keep the momentum. It was a total team effort."

In the second set, Valdosta State scored the first point, but Union responded with a 6-0 run. Valdosta State rallied for a brief lead, but Union pulled away and led 18-11 and won 25-17.
 
In the third set, Union again jumped out to a 3-0 lead. After a rally from Valdosta State that had the Blazers leading 13-12, Union responded to take the lead for good at 14-13. Union then cruised to the 25-17 match clinching victory.
 
Junior setter Lydia Wright, who served the last four points for Union in the match including one of her six aces, commented, "Tonight was a great example of a team effort. We had multiple people step up and make really smart plays, especially in crunch time situations. That was the difference maker in the set. We had great energy from everyone tonight and it felt great to get the win."

Union was led by Deja Moorer with 14 kills and Abbey Wainwright with 10 kills. Lydia Wright led with 34 assists and a match-high six service aces. Elise Seufert led with 23 digs, and Mallory Baker led with four blocks.
 
Valdosta State was led by Jenna Kirkwood with eight kills, Ashley Lala with 16 assists, three aces, and 13 digs, while Destiny Berry led with four blocks.
 
Up next for Union will be the last of a four straight home matches when the Lady Bulldogs welcome West Georgia to "the Fred" Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 p.m.
 
#UNION#