JOPLIN, Mo. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball went toe-to-toe with No. 25 Central Oklahoma Thursday night but came up short, 18-25, 17-25, 25-23, 20-25 in the finale of the MIAA In-Season Tournament.
After dropping the first two sets, the Lions rallied from a five-point deficit in set three to extend the match. UAFS trailed 20-15 before using a 6-1 run to tie the set at 21-21. UCO then took a 22-21 lead before the Lions scored four of the final five points getting a pair of kills from Lydia Pitts.
The Bronchos raced out to a 13-3 lead in the final set but the Lions kept battling, using a 10-3 spurt to tie the set at 19-19. However, after trading points, the Bronchos scored the final five points of the set to take the match.
Pitts led the Lions' attack with 16 kills and nine digs while Grace Marshall hit .367 with 12 kills and eight digs. Breanna Smith recorded eight kills in the loss.
Mayli Whetter posted a double-double of 44 assists and a team-high 14 digs while Abbey Jackson had 12 digs.
The Lions return to the Stubblefield Center Monday at 6 p.m. against Southeastern Oklahoma State.
