AIKEN, S.C. - The final day of the USC Aiken Invitational was not kind to the Valdosta State volleyball team, as the Blazers dropped matches against both Lander, 3-0, (25-21, 26-24, 25-15), and tournament host USC Aiken, 3-0 (27-25, 25-15, 27-15), on Saturday in Aiken, S.C.

The Blazers looked to be in control early against LU and took a 10-4 lead during the first part of the opening set. Valdosta State maintained the advantage throughout a majority of the set, before Lander used three straight VSU attack errors to tie it up 20-20. From that point forward, LU outscored the Blazers 5-1 to claim first frame.

The tables turned in set two and Valdosta State trailed for most of the set, but a 14-3 run allowed the Blazers to overcome a 20-12 deficit and take a 24-23. The comeback effort fell short, however, as Lander thwarted set point and scored three straight to take a 2-0 advantage.

Lander dominated the third and final set to claim the win and improve to 6-1 on the season.

Valdosta State gave USC Aiken all it wanted in the second match of the day and extended both the first and the third sets, but the Blazers fell short in all three frames. The win improved USC Aiken to 5-2 overall.

Chloe' Chubilleau, Kayla Widera, and Tristyn Sells all reached double-digit figures in the kill column on the day, but the Blazers were only able to accumulate an .062 hitting percentage throughout the course of the two matches. Sydney Chick highlighted the defensive effort with 37 total digs and an average of 6.17 digs per set. VSU's opponents overcame the Blazers' bright moments with a .181 hitting percentage and 21.0 total blocks.

Following the 2-2 weekend, the Blazers moved to 4-3 overall on the young season and will take that mark into conference play on September 15th against the visiting Montevallo Falcons. Furthermore, VSU will face Albany State later in the day for the back end of a Friday doubleheader. If you can't make the match, look for live coverage right here at www.vstateblazers.com.