TYLER, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball saw its postseason run come to a close Tuesday night, falling 23-25, 21-25, 22-25 to host UT Tyler in the Lone Star Conference Tournament semifinals.

UAFS was held to its lowest hitting percentage of the season, .094, in the loss.

The teams traded blows in the first set, with every small lead being answered to. The Lady Lions held an 8-4 lead early, but the Patriots fought back to tie it at 10. Continuing to trade the lead, UAFS led 21-20 before UT Tyler responded with a 3-0 run.

Kills by freshman outside hitter Reagan Macha and sophomore middle blocker Hannah Holland tied it at 23-23, but a pair of errors gave the set to the Patriots.

UAFS once again held an early 8-4 lead in set two, and history continued to repeat itself with a tie at 10. The Patriots led 13-11 before the Lady Lions used a 3-0 run of their own to go back in front.

Tied at 17, the Patriots used a 7-2 run for a 24-19 advantage. UAFS tallied a pair of points in one last rally attempt, but the Patriots were able to take a 2-0 lead.

The Lady Lions started quickly in set three, racing out to a 5-0 lead. However, UT Tyler scored five straight after a timeout to even the set.

Neither team could muster a lead, as the set remained tied at 12. The Patriots then used a 5-2 run to get a lead they would not relinquish. A kill by freshman middle blocker Chyra Thompson and a UT Tyler error pulled the Lions within 17-16, but the Patriots would score the next two points.

Sophomore outside hitter Julia McCown led the way offensively with 10 kills, while Macha added eight. Sophomore right side hitter Courtney Crownover tallied a double-double with 24 assists and 11 digs.

Defensively, sophomore libero Lexy Lewis had a team-high 18 digs. Thompson totaled four blocks at the net, two solo.