JACKSON, Tenn. - The Union University volleyball team lost 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-20) to the University of West Alabama Tuesday night in Fred DeLay Gymnasium, David Blackstock Court. Union dropped to 5-16 overall and 1-9 in the Gulf South Conference. West Alabama improved to 22-2 on the season and stayed in a tie for first place at 9-1 in league play.
West Alabama flexed its muscle early, jumping out to a 5-1 lead in set one. Union stayed within striking distance, trailing by as many as six early, but rallying back. After being down 16-11, Union responded with a 9-3 run to take its first lead of the set at 20-19. Carly Edwards gave Union the lead with her third kill of that run. However, the road Tigers responded with four straight and pushed on to the 25-21 win.
Union held three leads early in set two, but UWA went on top for good at 7-6. The Tigers held as small lead over the Lady Bulldogs late in the set at 17-15, but that was as close at Union could get down the stretch. West Alabama scored eight of the next 11 points to go up 2-0.
The third set started with a trio of quick runs. UWA scored the first three points, Union responded with four straight points, and then West Alabama regained the lead with four straight points. The teams went back and forth for the next several points, with Union's last lead coming at 10-9. UWA took the lead for good at 11-10. West Alabama controlled the rest of the set and completed the 3-0 sweep.
Union was led by Elizabeth Gilbert with nine kills, Emily Priddy with two aces, and Julia Stuible with six blocks. Kylie Creech and Sam McHale added 14 and 13 assists respectively, and Caileigh Collins led with seven digs.
As a team, Union topped UWA 10-6 in blocks. However, West Alabama dominated the serve, leading Union 9-3 in aces.
Up next for Union will be a pair of road matches this weekend, starting Friday, October 16 at UAH at 6 p.m. and then Montevallo Saturday at 2 p.m.
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