JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team lost their home opener for the 2013 season to Harding (Ark.) University 3-1 (25-7, 22-25, 25-13, 25-8). Union dropped to 1-4 on the season, while Harding improved to 2-3.
 
Harding, the 2012 Great American Conference champions, jumped out early on the Lady Bulldogs, leading the entire way as they won 25-7 in the first set.
 
Union responded in the second set, winning 25-22. The set featured six ties and three lead changes. Union led by as many as five points twice, 14-9 and 23-18 in the set.
 
However, in the third and fourth sets, Harding regained control and coasted to the match victory with 25-13 and 25-8 wins. Harding did not trail in any of the three sets they won.
 
Union was led by Deja Moorer with 11 kills and Kristin Cook with five kills. Lydia Wright led with 22 assists and 14 digs, Morgan Morfe added two aces, and Cook led with three blocks.
 
Harding was led by Mollie Arnold with 15 kills and Alyssa Short with 13 kills. Taryn Eubank added 33 assists, Marindia Turner added five aces, Lisa Copeland led with 15 digs, and Liv Savage led with five blocks.
 
Up next for Union will be four matches in Monticello, Ark. in the University of Arkansas at Monticello Tournament. Union faces Arkansas-Monticello and Southern Arkansas Friday, and Missouri Southern State and Henderson State (Ark.) Saturday.
 
#UNION#