FORT SMITH, Ark. - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball took the first set from No. 12 West Texas A&M Friday but was unable to hold on for the win as the Buffs battled back for  a 24-26, 25-21, 25-17, 25-17 defeat of the Lions.

UAFS started the opening set trailing 8-1 before slowly chipping away. A 4-0 run cut the deficit to 11-8 and the Lions later trailed 19-16. The Buffs extended the lead to 22-17 until the Lions ended the set on a 9-2 run.

The Lions faced set point at 24-21 when outside hitter Paola Fragalle rattled off three straight kills to tie the set. UAFS finished the set with a WT attack error and an ace by middle blocker Hannah Holland.

Fragalle led the attack with 17 kills and was matched by outside hitter Caelyn Gunn, who had 17 kills of her own. Both players recorded double-doubles with 13 and 15 digs, respectively.

Set two started just like set one with the Lions behind 6-1. However, once again they fought back to take the lead at 16-15. But the Buffs retook the lead with a 3-0 run and held off the Lions to even the match.

UAFS flipped the script in set three by taking an early lead but the Buffs scored six straight points to take a 13-8 advantage. The Lions pulled back within one at 16-15 but WT closed the set with 3-0 and 6-0 runs. West Texas then controlled the fourth set for the match win.

The Buffs block was too much to overcome for the Lions, as the Buffs held an 11-3 advantage at the net.

Defensively, setter Chloe Price had a team-high 16 digs while libero Lauren Weber had 14. Price and setter Chloe Alderson each had 19 assists.

UAFS will look to get back in the win column Saturday at 1 p.m. against Cameron at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.