JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team lost its first conference match of the season to Shorter (Ga.) University 3-2 (25-22, 16-25, 15-25, 25-22, 15-8). Union dropped to 3-6 on the season and 2-1 in the Gulf South Conference. The Lady Hawks improved to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in conference play.

The Lady Bulldogs and Shorter played a tight first set with Shorter claiming the 25-22 win. The second and third sets went in favor of Union as they cruised to 25-16 and 25-15 wins. In the second set, the Lady Bulldogs jumped ahead 10-3, and held a strong lead for the rest of the set. Union held the lead all of the third set and got the set win.

Union lead Shorter 2-1 going into the fourth set. Like the previous two sets, Union lead 8-2 early in the fourth. However, the Lady Hawks slowly chipped away, tying Union 19-19. Gaining the momentum, Shorter got their second win of the match, 25-22, forcing a fifth set. The Lady Hawks held their momentum coming out with a 6-2 lead in the fifth set. Union got as close as three points, but Shorter held on for the 15-8 win.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Ceciley Blanchard with 16 kills, Hannah Huguley with 42 assists, and Elise Seufert with 21 digs.

Shorter was led by Elizabeth Dowd and BreAnna Thompson with 10 kills each.

Union will continue their three game home stand with conference matches September 25 against the University of North Alabama and September 26 against the University of Alabama Huntsville.

#UNION#