VALDOSTA, Ga. - Valdosta State raced out of the gate but fizzled down the stretch, as the Tigers of West Alabama stole a match from the Blazers (3-1(21-25, 25-21, 25-23, 28-26) at home in Gulf South Conference volleyball action on Friday night in Valdosta, Ga.

The loss dropped the Blazers to 9-12 overall an put the team below the .500 mark in GSC play at 4-5. Meanwhile, the West Alabama Tigers lifted their overall mark to 15-9 on the season and improved to 7-1 in league play.

Valdosta State torched the Tigers in the first set with an incredible .484 hitting percentage as a team. In the set, VSU's defense held West Alabama to a .200 hitting effort.

The match took a turn for the worse in the second, and eight VSU attack errors negated a lackluster offensive performance by the Tiger attack. After falling in the third set, Valdosta State faced a 23-17 deficit, but the Blazers fought back and reeled off seven straight points to take a 24-23 lead. The final set ended in heartbreaking fashion, however, as the Tigers outscored the Blazers 4-1 down the stretch to claim the victory.

Briana Sandifer played a huge part in UWA's success with 19 kills and a .359 hitting percentage. For the Blazers, Tristyn Sells led the way with 13 kills and a .478 effort. Chelsea Chavers added five aces and 13 digs.

The Blazers return to the court on Saturday with another home matchup against the visiting Choctaws of Mississippi College. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.