TYLER, Texas – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball dropped a back-and-forth, five-set match, 26-28, 25-14, 22-25, 29-27, 12-15 Wednesday in Lone Star Conference action at UT Tyler. 

UAFS had the edge in attack percentage, .209-.174, while also more than doubling up on blocks, 18-7. The Lions had nine aces to just six for the Patriots, as well. It was the first loss for the Lions holding an opponent below a .200 attack percentage this season. 

The Lions used 5-0 and 4-0 runs to lead by five late in the first set, but the Patriots battled back with a 5-1 run to take a 24-23 lead. UAFS responded with back-to-back points for set point, only to see UTT score four of five points to steal the opening set. 

UAFS scored the first four points of set two and held the Patriots to a .000 attack percentage as it ran away with the set to even the match. Outside hitter Caelyn Gunn had three of her match-high 22 kills as the Lions scored the final six points of the set. 

Unable to rally from a slow start in set three, the Lions went on a 12-1 run early on in set three, including scoring eight straight. With UAFS leading 20-13, UTT went on a 9-0 run of its own before the Lions settled down to win the marathon set. 

The Lions hit .308 in the final set and used a 5-0 run to erase a 5-1 deficit, but the Patriots used a 4-0 run to break a 9-9 tie before ultimately taking the match. 

Gunn's 22 kills came on a .327 attack percentage while fellow outside hitter Nyia Anderson added 18 kills. Setter Chloe Price dished out 52 assists in the loss. 

The Lions set a program record with 15 solo blocks, including six by middle blocker Hannah Watkins – which ranks second most for a single match. Middle blocker Angelina Hardison added six blocks – four solo. 

Anderson had four of the Lions' nine aces. 

The road trip continues Friday at 6 p.m. at Angelo State.