Last Friday, the Shawnee State Bears welcomed in former conference foe the University of Cumberlands Patriots. After a hard-fought four-set match, SSU fell three sets to one to Cumberlands.
In the first set, the Pats blitzed the Bears and in a blink of an eye, SSU found themselves down 17-9. Cumberlands finished Shawnee off to win set number one 25-10 and took the one-set lead. The second set was the complete opposite of who blitzed who. SSU jumped out to an early lead, but the Pats would battle back. Shawnee could not hold the lead and the two teams were tied at 22. They traded blows not gaining any more than a point either way, until SSU nabbed the final two points claiming the set 29-27.
With the game tied at one set apiece, the third set got underway. The Bears and Pats would trade points back and forth until Cumberlands went on multiple short runs to build themselves a lead. Shawnee would attempt a comeback towards the end of the set, but the Patriots ended the set before the comeback could start. Once again, the fourth set was close and the teams battled till the very end, but it did not go the Bear's way.
The Bears will open up their River States Conference schedule this Friday, September 15, as they welcome the Red Hawks of Indiana University East into Waller Gymnasium. The match will start at 7 PM.
