The Bears got off to a fast start but couldn't hold on, as UT Southern came back to take the match 3-1.
The Bears started strong jumping out to a 9-3 lead, which forced a quick UTS timeout. However, the Bears continued their strong play extending the lead to 20-10 and another UTS timeout. Nashail Shelby delivered a service ace coming out of the timeout and the Bears took set one 25-12.
The second set started similarly to the first with the Bears jumping out to a 6-1 lead forcing a quick Firehawk timeout. The Bears however continued to play solid volleyball, taking advantage of their opportunities, extending the lead to 18-9. However, the momentum turned quickly. UTS rattled off 6 straight points to get right back into the set and match. Eventually, UTS would catch the Bears at 22 and finish the set strong, evening the score 1-1 with the 25-22 win.
Set three once again started in favor of the home team, as Shawnee took the first 3 points, leading to a 7-4 advantage. Unfortunately, once again UTS would put together an extended scoring run capturing16 of the games next 20 points for a 20-11 lead. However the Bears would make it interesting getting back to within 2, but no closer, as UTS won set 3, 25-21.
The fourth set was close to start, before the Firehawks took an 18-12 lead forcing an SSU timeout. Coach Scarberry's word worked, as the Bears came storming back to tie the score at 19. However, that would be SSU's last point, giving the visitors a 25-19 win, taking the match 3-1.
The Bears are back in action tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 taking on #10 ranked Life University. Come out and see the Bears play as we honor a fantastic senior class for the final home game.
