FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball saw its 2021 season come to an end Tuesday in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Volleyball Tournament, falling 21-25, 23-25, 17-25 to St. Edward's at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Hilltoppers hit .287 for the match while the Lady Lions hit just .186.

UAFS held a lead through the first half of set one, but the Hilltoppers used a 3-1 run to take the lead and later a 5-1 run to grab a five-point lead. UAFS got back within two before SEU finished off the set.

The Lions switched things up to start set two, and it paid early dividends with a 7-0 start. UAFS held that lead until St. Edward's tied the match at 18 with a 7-1 run. UAFS would briefly pull back in front and the set would be tied at 23 all.

However, the Hilltoppers tallied a pair of kills to take a two-set advantage.

St. Edward's was in full control of set three, leading by as many as 11. The Lions mounted one final rally with a 7-2 spurt but were unable to complete the comeback.

Middle blocker Hannah Holland could hardly be stopped, recording a team-high 11 kills on a .625 attack percentage. She also added two blocks and four digs.

Elsewhere offensively, outside hitters Savannah Wharton and Reagan Macha had nine and seven kills, respectively.

Setter Chloe Alderson paced UAFS with 15 digs as well as 24 assists. Libero Jazzlyn Wells recorded 13 digs.

UAFS finishes the season 15-14 overall, with a 10-7 LSC record.