FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball was unable to finish off a 2-0 lead as Fort Hays State rallied to defeat the Lions in five sets, 25-18, 25-21, 18-25, 22-25, 13-15 Saturday at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions scored three straight points in set five to take a 13-12 advantage but the Tigers rallied with three straight points of their own to complete the comeback.

UAFS hit a blistering .421 in the opening set, breaking a 14-14 tie with a 5-0 run with a pair of kills from outside hitter Nyia Anderson. After Fort Hays scored the next three points, the Lions ripped off another 5-0 run as they took a 1-0 lead.

The Lions continued the strong offensive output in set two, hitting .308. UAFS trailed, 20-17, before scoring eight of the last nine points to win the set. Outside hitter Caelyn Gunn and right-side hitter Morgan Creer each tallied a pair of kills during the final surge.

Fort Hays then jumped out to a 10-4 lead in set three as the Tigers won their first set, then scored three consecutive points late in set four as they evened up the match.

Five Lions tallied double figure kills, led by 15 from Anderson. Middle blockers Brianna Ball and Kaelyn McDonald each had 11 kills while middle blocker Hannah Watkins and Creer each had 10. Anderson posted a double-double by adding 16 digs.

Libero Macie Grams led the Lions with 26 digs while Gunn recorded 21 to go along with nine kills. Setter Scarlette Young dished out 29 assists with 11 digs and setter Trinity Funderburk added 24 assists.

Prior to the match, it was announced that moving forward, pink matches would be named the Jane Sargent Women of Impact Pink Out Match.

UAFS wraps up nonconference action Monday at 6 p.m. at Arkansas Tech before resuming MIAA play Wednesday at Central Oklahoma.