VALDOSTA, Ga. – The Valdosta State Volleyball team fell in straight sets to the visiting Union Bulldogs Friday night inside the Complex. The Blazers fell to 6-10 on the year and 0-3 in the Gulf South Conference while Union improved to 11-4 on the season and 4-0 in conference play. 

For the match, VSU recorded 20 kills, 47 digs, eight aces and three blocks. Sophomore Lyara Rosario, the match's Guardian Player of the Match, lead the Blazers' defense with 17 digs and four service aces. Sophomore Jojo Smith ended the match with a team-high nine kills while sophomore Christina Pettigrew had two blocks at the net.  

For the Bulldogs, UU hit .288 along with 41 kills and 63 digs. Emily Grace Calhoon led the way with 11 kills while Alyssa Tatsch had a team-high 17 digs on defense. 

Set One (UU 25, VSU 18)

The Bulldogs quickly jumped out to a 6-2 advantage, but a service ace by Mackenzie Murray and a kill by Smith allowed VSU to tie the game at seven. After a service miscue from VSU to give UU an 8-7 lead, the Blazers went on an 8-0 run to build a 15-8 lead. The Bulldogs then fought back with a 14-2 run to take back the lead at 22-17. After a service error from Union, the Bulldogs knocked home the final three points to take set one, 25-18. 

Set Two (UU 25, VSU 18)

After the Blazers tied the game at five from a kill by Roney, the Bulldogs went on a 7-2 run to build a 12-7 lead. Kills by Pettigrew and a service ace by Smith allowed VSU to bounce back to come within three, 13-10, but the Bulldogs continued to lead, 18-14. After Bulldog attack errors and another service ace by Rosario, the Blazers were able to come within two, 19-17, but after a 6-1 run, the Bulldogs were able to take set two, 25-18. 

Set Three (UU 25, VSU 9)

The Bulldogs were able to jump out to a dominating 10-2 lead, but a kill by Murray allowed VSU to stop the scoring drought. After two quick points by VSU, the Bulldogs went on a 5-0 run to build their lead to 18-6.  After a kill by Smith and a service ace by sophomore Audrey Bennett to bring the score to 18-8 in favor of Union, the Bulldogs went on a final 7-1 run to take set three 25-9, and the match 3-0. 

The Blazers are back in action on Saturday, playing host to Christian Brothers at 1 p.m. inside the Complex.