JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University volleyball team fell 3-2 (25-23, 19-25, 23-25, 25-23, 15-5) Friday night against Shorter University. Union dropped to 9-5 overall and 0-2 in the Gulf South Conference. Shorter improved to 7-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play. 

The Lady Bulldogs were up 19-14 in the first set when Shorter scored four straight times making it 19-18. The momentum stayed with the Lady Hawks as they took the first set, 25-23. 

In the second set, Shorter scored the first point followed by Union scoring six straight points. The Lady Bulldogs kept the lead the rest of the set, winning 25-19.

The Lady Bulldogs won the third set 25-23. An early 6-0 run to extend their lead to 8-3 helped Union maintain momentum for most of the set. Shorter battle back and led 23-22 before Union scored the final three points to win the set.  

In the fourth set, Shorter scored the first point before Union again used a strong start to led 6-3. The Lady Bulldogs and the Lady Hawks went back-and-forth. With Shorter leading 24-21, Union scored two straight but a service error stopped the rally for Union, evening the match at 2-2.  

Shorter controlled the final match from the start. It was the first set that Union did not have a lead in. Shorter scored six straight points to start and never looked back, winning 15-5.  

Katie O'Malley lead Union with 17 kills, Taylor Chiaro had 22 digs and Bre Carlton had 43 assists. 

Up next for Union is second of three home games, versus Lee University Saturday, September 23 at 2 p.m.

-UNION-