JACKSON, Tenn. – The Union University volleyball team fell 3-1 (26-24, 25-22, 25-16, 25-23) to Valdosta State University. The Lady Bulldogs dropped to 4-10 on the season and are 1-5 against Gulf South Conference competition. The Blazers improved to 3-4 in conference play with a season record of 5-9.
 
VSU led early in the first set with a 4-0 run to give them the lead, 5-1. Union was unable to find traction with Valdosta State pulling away. With the Blazers leading 14-7, Union put themselves back in the set scoring four straight points to cut the VSU lead, 14-11. In the Lady Bulldogs next possession, Union battled to get within a point of Valdosta State, 15-14. After trading possessions, the Lady Bulldogs were able to take their first lead of the set with a 5-0 run to take the lead, 20-17. At the end of the set, the Blazers and Union were tied, 23-23, when Hannah Huguley smashed a kill to get the Lady Bulldogs set point, but VSU fought back to score three straight points to take the first set, 26-24.
 
Union took the early lead in the second set, 2-0, and extended their lead later in the set with a four point run to take the lead, 9-3. Later in the set, the Lady Bulldogs had the lead, 23-18, when Valdosta State battled to get within a point of Union with a 4-0 run to bring the score to 23-22. The Lady Bulldogs were able to hold off the Blazers threat to take the second set, 25-22, and tie the match, 1-1.
 
VSU found some momentum in the third set taking the early lead, 2-0. Valdosta State would maintain their lead for the rest of the set. The Blazers managed to allow Union just two 3-0 runs to hold off the Lady Bulldogs, and get the third set win, 25-16.
 
Down 2-1 in the match, Union was able to hang with VSU. With the set tied, 9—9, Valdosta State took a slight lead, 12-9, thanks to a three point run, but the Lady Bulldogs came back scoring four straight points to take their first lead of the set, 13-12. In Union's next possession, the Lady Bulldogs had a three point run to extend their lead, 16-13. The lead was short-lived as the Blazers worked back to take the lead 17-16 after a four point run. Union did not go down without a fight, taking back the lead 20-18, but VSU outlasted the Lady Bulldogs to take the fourth set, 25-23
 
Union was led by Ceciley Blanchard with 14 kills followed by Suheily Colon-Rodriguez with 11 kills. Huguley helped with 40 assists on the night. Audrey Cagle led defensively with 24 kills, and McKenna Carter added 5 blocks.
 
The Lady Bulldogs will be back in action Saturday, October 1, as they take on No. 22 West Florida at 1pm.
 
-UNION-