GEORGETOWN, Ky. – Despite chances late to take multiple sets against No. 16 Georgetown, it was the nationally-ranked Tigers (14-2, 5-0 MSC) that would be able to pull the late points out, handing the Bears (12-5, 2-1 MSC) their first conference defeat (25-23, 25-19, 25-21) of the season. In the process, Georgetown moved into sole possession of first place as the only remaining unbeaten team in MSC play.
In both of the first two sets, SSU would rally to tie the match and in the first set hold a lead at 22-21. However, the set did not start out the way the Bears would have hoped for. Finding themselves down as much as 21-13, Paige Zelich took her position at server after her own kill made it 21-14. When she was done serving, SSU had rallied to take the lead at 22-21. The two squads would also find themselves knotted at 22 and 23-all before Georgetown took the final two points to claim the opening game.
In the second, the Tigers would stretch their lead to as much as 16-11; however, SSU would again rally to knot the second game at 19-all. Unfortunately for the Bears, that point would be their final of the game as Georgetown ripped off the final six to take a 2-0 advantage.
Faced with the must-win game, the Bears took an early edge in the third, 6-3. This time it would be Georgetown's turn to answer as the Tigers would get those three back and lead by as many as five, 17-12. Not willing to concede anything, Shawnee State brought the match to within two points at 19-17, before Georgetown closed the win by taking six of the final 10 points.
Zelich led all Bears with nine kills and three service aces over the match. Ashley Galbraith finished with seven kills, while Alex Pohl added five more. Taking over the primary setting duties, Hannah Gephart finished with 14 assists and tallied another two service aces. Defensively, Kirsti Yates finished with a team-high 10 digs. Tiffany Jackson and Pohl also added a solo block and two block assists each.
The Bears will be back in action tomorrow for two more MSC matches as they look to stay near the top of the standings. They will take on St. Catharine at 11 a.m. and follow that up with a match vs. Cumberland University at 1:15 p.m.
