ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball was unable to hold on to an early lead Friday, as the Lions fell in four sets, 25-20, 22-25, 19-25, 8-25 at Missouri Western in MIAA action.

UAFS raced out to an early lead in the opening set, then used a 4-0 run to take an 18-15 advantage. The Lions scored six of the final eight points of the set, including the final three on Griffon attack errors to take the set.

Set two went back-and-forth at the start before ethe Griffons used a 6-0 run to take a 16-11 lead. UAFS pulled back within two before MWSU evened the match.

The Lions once again went toe-to-toe with the Griffons to start set three until a 7-0 run by the Griffons gave them an 18-12 lead and eventually a 2-1 advantage. UAFS then hit -.029 in set four while the Griffons hit .345 to take the match.

Outside hitter Caelyn Gunn had a team-high 11 kills for the Lions while middle blocker Brianna Ball hit .400 with eight kills. Libero Macie Grams led the Lions with 12 digs with outside hitter Nyia Anderson adding 11.

Setters Trinity Funderburk and Scarlette Young had 14 and 12 assists, respectively.

Middle blocker Kaelyn McDonald continued her strong play at the net, totaling six kills and six blocks. The Lions finished with a 12-9 advantage in blocks. However, MSWU had a 9-2 edge in aces.

UAFS returns to action Saturday at 3 p.m. at Northwest Missouri State.