Box Score VALDOSTA, Ga. - The Valdosta State volleyball team went head to head against Alabama-Huntsville, but a slow start proved to be costly as the Blazers fell to the Lady Chargers in a four set (12-25, 25-27, 27-25, 25-23) Gulf South Conference match on Friday night in Huntsville, Ala.

With the loss, VSU dropped to 13-16 on the season and 9-10 in conference play. Meanwhile, Alabama-Huntsville elevated their overall record to 15-14 and 8-11 in GSC action.

Valdosta State opened the contest with a sluggish start and allowed the Lady Chargers to capitalize effectively on offense. Alabama-Huntsville quickly gained a six point run which caused the Blazers to trail, 6-14. VSU struggled to find rhythm all around and eventually UAH closed the door to take the set, 25-12.

The Blazers took the court with a purpose in set two, as they battled point for point against the Lady Chargers. Valdosta State pushed ahead 24-23, but were unable to seal the deal. The Lady Chargers capitalized on a costly service error for VSU and a deadly kill from UAH's Anna LeDuc, which led to a tie at 25 all. The Lady Chargers offense proved to be too much for the Blazers, as Anna Claire Johnson put two kills down to help secure the victory, 27-25.

A determined Blazer squad fought their way through the third set, but Alabama-Huntsville had the upper hand and forced match point with a 24-21 lead over VSU. The Blazers rallied around Ashley Miller, however, as the sophomore put away two explosive kills and allowed Valdosta State to get right back in the match. Natalia Campos then threw in the dagger with a service ace for a comeback 27-25 win. Valdosta State collected 18 kills in the set with only three errors compared to the Lady Chargers 16 team kills and four attack errors.

The two teams went neck and neck in the fourth and final set of the night, which resulted in 19 ties throughout the duration of the frame. Back to back kills by Antia Rodriguez-Sanchez allowed the Blazers to take the edge over the Lady Chargers, 19-18. Alabama-Huntsville answered back with the offensive efforts of Johnson, who tallied 18 kills on the night and fueled a 25-23 win in the final set.

For Valdosta State, Rodriguez-Sanchez led the offense with 18 kills on the night. Tristyn Sells and Ashley Miller each added 13 and 10 kills, respectively. Susie Peonia produced yet another double-double performance on the season with 12 kills and 10 digs. As a team, VSU recorded 57 kills and 43 assists came from Sara Dandridge. The defense was anchored down by Natalia Campos as she racked up 19 digs on the contest.

The Blazers will close out their regular season against the Lions of North Alabama on Saturday, November 12 in Florence, Ala. The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m.