DALLAS – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball saw its Lone Star Conference Tournament run cut short Thursday, falling 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 11-15 to Texas A&M-Kingsville in the quarterfinals. 

After the Javelinas took sets two and three, UAFS looked to get the momentum back on its side in set four by racing out to an early 5-2 lead. However, the Javelinas scored the next four points to take a 6-5 lead. 

But the Lions answered right back, going on a 7-0 run with two kills apiece from outside hitter Caelyn Gunn and setter Chloe Price. Despite leading by as many as seven, TAMUK battled back in the set to pull back within one multiple times before outside hitter Nyia Anderson tied the match with a kill.

In set five, the Javelinas scored six of the first seven points to build a lead the Lions couldn't overcome. UAFS had a 3-0 run to get within 6-4 and a 4-0 run to make it 11-9 but three straight points by the Javelinas put the set out of reach. 

UAFS had taken a 1-0 lead in the match after breaking a 12-12 tie in the opening set with a 5-1 run, taking advantage of three TAMUK errors. The Lions also had a 4-1 run to lead 21-16 before closing out the set. UAFS hit .333 in the opening set. 

Gunn and Anderson paced the Lions' attack with 20 and 16 kills, respectively, with Gunn hitting .255 and Anderson .317. Anderson had a double double, as well, adding 16 digs. Price dished out 36 assists to go with 13 digs. 

Libero Paola Fragalle led the Lions with 18 digs, while middle blocker Hannah Watkins totaled six blocks. Price added four blocks for the Lions. 

UAFS outhit the Javelinas for the match, .244 to .214. 

The Lions will now await Monday's NCAA Selection Show to see if they earned a berth in the NCAA South Central Regional.