JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team fell 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-22, 25-13) to Valdosta State (Ga.) University Friday night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union dropped to 7-19 on the season and 2-12 in the Gulf South Conference. Valdosta State improved to 16-6 overall and remained third in the GSC standings with an 11-3 mark.
 
After the first set was tied a 2-2, Valdosta State quickly ran away with the first set, winning 25-12. The second set was much different as the two teams played to nine ties and six lead changes before Union was able to even the set with a 25-21 win. After trailing 17-16, Union took the lead in the set for good with five straight points. The third set was played extremely close again, however Valdosta State never trailed on their way to the 25-22 win. In the fourth set, Union battled early, but a Valdosta State took a 5-4 lead and never looked back, pushing out to the 25-13 win.
 
Union was led by Deja Moorer with a match high 15 kills. Lydia Wright and Hannah Huguley again shared the setting duties with 22 and 15 assists respectively. Wright led with two aces, Elise Seufert led with 12 digs, and McKenna Carter led with four blocks.
 
Valdosta State was led by Kelsey Hedman and Jenna Kirkwood with 11 kills each. Jessica Codato led with 36 assists and four aces. Ashley Lala led with 18 digs and Hedman led with five blocks.
 
Union led in kills by the slim margin of 46-45 over the Blazers. Valdosta State won the serving battle with a 10-3 edge in aces, while Union made 11 service errors to just three from Valdosta State. Blocks were 10-9 in favor if the Blazers.
 
Up next for Union will be a home match Saturday, October 25 at 2 p.m. when Union hosts West Florida, who is currently second in the GSC standings.
 
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