ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball was defeated in straight sets Friday as the Lions returned to MIAA play at Missouri Western, falling 21-25, 11-25, 22-25 to the No. 10 Griffons.
The Lions went toe-to-toe with the Griffons in the opening set, rallying from a 7-0 deficit to pull within 13-11. Missouri Western went back up by six before UAFS scored four straight to get back within two. However, the Griffons scored the final two points of the set for the 1-0 lead.
Missouri Western then hit .514 in set two before taking a 6-2 lead in set three. UAFS continued to battle, pulling within one multiple times but was never able to tie or take the lead.
Lydia Pitts had a team-high 11 kills while Codi Jackson and Aspen Olson each added seven. Jackson hit .400 and Olson .300. Mayli Whetter dished out 29 assists.
Whetter and Pitts posted double-doubles with 12 and 11 digs, respectively, with Ella Shelby recording a team-high 17 digs.
UAFS is back in action Saturday at 7 p.m. at Northwest Missouri State.
