JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University volleyball team posted a 3-2 (25-21, 21-25, 25-18, 13-25, 15-11) victory over Christian Brothers University Tuesday Night at Fred DeLay Gymnasium. Union improved to 17-10 overall and 9-3 in the Gulf South Conference. Christian Brothers dropped to 6-22 on the season and 3-9 in league play. 

With the win, Union clinched its first-ever berth in the GSC Tournament. Union is in its sixth year of eligibility for the tournament and remains in the top four in league play heading into its final four conference games. 

Union head coach Darrin McClure said, "Christian Brothers came very motivated to play and I'm excited our girls stepped up to the challenge. They honestly got a feel for what it is going to be like playing in the postseason. I think we have some of our best volleyball ahead of us. We are learning how to play in these environments and this kind of pressure. I'm so thankful for these three seniors we have for sticking it out. It has been tough and when you lose a lot it is not fun. I am thankful to them for their commitment to this program and this team." 

Union hit .253 in the match while CBU hit .236 with CBU edging Union 61-57 in kills. CBU led 6-1 in aces and 62-55 in digs. Union dominated the blocks 16-4. 

In the first set, Union led 24-18, but three straight points for CBU brought the Lady Bucs within three. A Lady Bucs ball handling error gave Union the 25-21 win. In a closely played second set, Union and CBU traded points until CBU went on a seven-point run to take the lead 23-20. CBU went on to win the set and tie the match 1-1. Union scored nine straight points on its way to a 25-18 third set victory. Christian Brothers scored eight straight points as they cruised to a 25-13 fourth set win. 

The Lady Bucs scored first in the fifth set, but the Lady Bulldogs answered with four straight points and took a 7-4, forcing a CBU timeout. Union held the lead for the remainder of the set, capping off the win with a kill by Haley Ramsey. 

Union was led by Meghan Delaney with 16 kills. Alyssa Tatsch and Emily Grace Calhoon added 14 and 11 kills respectively. Calhoon led with six blocks, Jordan Vick led with 39 assists, and Abbie Rahn with 23 digs. 

Union will continue its 3-game homestand Friday, November 8 at 7 p.m. versus Alabama Huntsville. Union will play its final regular season home game Saturday, November 9 at 2 p.m. against Montevallo for Senior Day. 

-UNION-