KINGSVILLE, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball played five sets for the second consecutive match but came up short in a 25-20, 19-25, 19-25, 26-24, 9-15 decision to Angelo State in the final match of the Lone Star Conference Preview Saturday.
The Lions were up against match point in the fourth set trailing 24-20 but rallied to score the final six points of the set, capped by a pair of kills by outside hitter Nyia Anderson and an ace by setter Kendall Schmitz. UAFS hit .351 in the set.
In set five, the Lions raced out to a 7-3 lead thanks to two kills and an assisted block by outside hitter Caelyn Gunn. However, Angelo State scored the next six points and closed the match on a 12-2 run.
Gunn produced her seventh double-double of the season, tallying a team-high 17 kills to go with 18 digs. Also recording double-doubles were outside hitter Nyia Anderson with 11 kills and 27 digs and setter Chloe Price with 42 assists and 21 digs.
Right-side hitter Reagan Macha added 11 kills on a .333 attack percentage.
Five Lions recorded double-figure digs, as libero Paola Fragalle totaled 19 and defensive specialist Taylor Lintz 15 to join the trio above.
UAFS had 11 blocks to just four for the Rambelles, with middle blocker Hannah Watkinsaccounting for seven of them. ASU, however, had an 11-5 edge in aces.
The Lions will next play their home opener September 22 at 6 p.m. against Lubbock Christian at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.
