BANNER ELK, N.C.- The Shorter Volleyball team fell to Lees-McRae Saturday afternoon at Williams Gymnasium in a 3-1 defeat. 

The Hawks and Bobcats battled early on as both sides traded points. With the score tied at 12, the hosts went on a quick 4-0 run that gave them control for the remainder of the set, giving them the 1-0 lead. Shorter came out strong in the second set, scoring five unanswered. Lees-McRae stormed back, tying it at 10 before going on an 8-3 run. Shorter got to within one of the Bobcats, but came up short as they fell behind 2-0. 

After another back-and-forth start, Shorter finally gained the advantage midway through the third set by going on an 8-3 run to put the set out of reach for Lees-McRae. Both sides fought in the fourth set, with the hosts maintaining control. Shorter made one last push late, but it would not be enough as they fell in a 3-1 final. 

Victoria Sparks led Shorter with 14 kills as Taylor-Reese Howell finished with 11. Helena Kelley set well for the Hawks, recording 30 assists on the afternoon. Defensively, the Hawks had four in double-digits with digs. Helena Kelley led with 13, as Claudia Loyola followed close behind with 11, and both Victoria Sparks and Caitlyn Sutton finished with ten. 

The loss drops Shorter to 14-11 on the season and 11-6 in conference play. 

UP NEXT

Shorter is aiming to return to the win column as they travel to face North Greenville this Wednesday at 5:00 PM. 

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