MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Union University volleyball team fell 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-17, 25-9) Tuesday night at Christian Brothers University. It was the Gulf South Conference opener for both teams. Union dropped to 9-4 on the season, while CBU improved to 6-7. 

In the first set, Christian Brothers jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but Union rallied back to lead 8-6. CBU then surged ahead again, this time for good, with eight of the next 10 points, including six straight to lead 16-10. The Lady Bucs cruised to the 25-17 set victory. 

In the second set, CBU again scored the first three points and led 6-2 to start play. Union caught the Lady Bucs at 11-11. The teams went back and forth and sat tied again 18-18. Union scored three straight points to surge ahead, but CBU tied the set again at 22-22. Union scored three of the next four points to win 25-23. 

Set three started with Union scoring two early points, but falling behind 6-3. Union rallied to lead 8-7, but that was the last time to hold a lead in the match. CBU stormed back and lead 16-14, the Lady Bucs eight of the next nine points to pull away and eventually win 25-17. 

The fourth set was all CBU as they started 7-0. The Lady Bucs rolled to a 25-9 match clinching win. 

Union was led by Christa Karns with eight kills, while Katie O'Malley and Clare Taylor added seven kills each. Reigning GSC Freshman of the Week Bre Carlton added 22 assists. Abbie Rahn led with two aces, O'Malley led with 12 digs, while Rahn and Lisa Hamilton led with two blocks each. 

Up next for Union will be their first home match of the 2017 season. Union will welcome in Shorter (Ga.) Friday, September 22 at 7 p.m. to start a 3-game home stand. 

-UNION-