HAYS, Kan. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball was unable to hold on to an early lead as the Lions fell in four sets, 25-20, 18-25, 24-26, 19-25 Saturday at Fort Hays State.

The Lions erased a 6-1 deficit in the opening set with a 5-0 run then used an 11-2 burst to take a 23-18 advantage and a 1-0 set lead. UAFS hit .333 in the set.

With the match tied at a set apiece, UAFS led by as many as five in set three and held a 23-20 lead, but the Tigers ended the set on a 6-1 run to take a 2-1 lead.

Down six late in set four, the Lions scored four straight points to get back within two but the Tigers responded with four consecutive points of their own to seal the match.

Outside hitter Lydia Pitts paced the Lions with 16 kills and 13 digs while right-side hitter Morgan Creer added 13 kills on a .300 attack percentage.

Setter Scarlette Young posted a line of 29 assists, 12 digs and seven kills while setter Trinity Funderburk added in 13 assists.

Middle Crystal Smith totaled seven kills, six blocks, five digs and three aces while libero Abbey Jackson and outside hitter Bree Pardy each tallied 10 digs.

UAFS returns home Wednesday to face Central Oklahoma at 6 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.