FORT SMITH, Ark. – Four Lions recorded double figure kills but University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Volleyball came up short in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 20-25, 23-25, 25-15, 10-15 to Emporia State Friday at the Stubblefield Center.

The Lions hit .288, their highest mark in conference play in the defeat. Outside hitter Caelyn Gunn led the Lions with 15 kills, while right-side hitter Morgan Creer added 13. Outside hitter Nyia Anderson tallied 12 kills and middle blocker Kaelyn McDonald tallied 10 kills on a .421 attack percentage.

UAFS took an 8-7 lead in the decisive set, but the Hornets closed the match on an 8-2 run, collecting six kills and an ace.

The Lions trailed by four multiple times in the opening set but closed strong with an 8-3 run to take a 1-0 lead. Anderson provided a pair of kills and the Lions collected two blocks during the rally.

In set two, Emporia once again raced out to an early lead before the Lions roared back to tie the set at 6-6. With Emporia leading, 20-19, the Hornets evened the match by scoring five of the final six points of the set.

The Hornets broke a 22-22 tie in set three to take a 2-1 lead in the match, but the Lions hit .355 and held ESU to .069 in the set win. UAFS broke the set wide open with a 7-0 run as middle blocker Hannah Watkins and McDonald teamed up for a pair of blocks. After Emporia closed within two, the Lions used a 5-0 burst to lead, 18-11. Creer finished the run with three consecutive kills.

Setter Trinity Funderburk directed the Lions' offense with 27 assists and led the Lions with 25 digs. Setter Scarlette Young posed a double-double of 21 assists and 14 digs. Libero Macie Grams finished with 11 digs.

The Lions outblocked the Hornets, 13-2, with McDonald recording seven blocks and Creer and middle blocker Jacia Hayes each tallying five.

UAFS will host Washburn Saturday at noon in the regular season finale with Senior Day taking place prior to the match.