JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team fell in their Gulf South Conference opening 3-1 (25-23, 25-18, 28-26, 25-22) to Christian Brothers University. Union dropped to 2-8 overall and 0-1 in the GSC. Christian Brothers improved to 3-6 on the season and 1-0 in league play.
                   
The first set was back and forth, featuring 13 ties and nine lead changes. The points were close at first before Christian Brothers jumped out to a 15-10 lead. Union then rattled of five in and row and eight of the next nine points to lead 18-16. Union led 23-21, before Christian Brothers scored the last four points to earn the win.
 
The second set was controlled mostly by Christian Brothers as they jumped out to a quick 12-5 lead. CBU led by as many as nine points, 20-11 and 24-15 before taking the set 25-18.
 
The third set featured nine ties and three lead changes. Union led for most of the way including 11-6 early. CBU rallied back and led 23-21 late. Union responded and forced extra points before winning 28-26.
 
The fourth set had Christian Brothers clinging to a small lead most of the way. Union tied the match at 18-18 and 19-19, and got as close at 21-20 late, but the Lady Bucs held off a game Union squad to seal the match.
 
Union was led by Deja Moorer with 14 kills and Kristin Cook with nine kills. Lydia Wright led with 34 assists and Hannah Huguley added 10 assists. Wright and Jami Humphries led with two aces each, Elise Seufert added 12 digs, and Moorer led with four blocks.
 
Christian Brothers was led by Alexix Gillis with 20 kills. Alison Welch, Hannah Kurtz, and Brinsley Cooper each added 11 kills. Jessica Reber led with 40 assists, Megann Fickle led with six aces, Brittany Toney led with 14 digs, and Jessica Reber led with four blocks.
 
Up next for Union will be a pair of non-conference home matches, Saturday, September 21 as a part of a tri-match with Arkansas-Monticello and Victory. Union plays UAM at 10 a.m., followed by UAM vs. Victory at noon, and Union vs. Victory at 2 p.m.
 
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