ROME, Ga.- The Shorter volleyball team battled hard at the Winthrop-King Centre Friday night, but came up short in a 3-0 defeat against Emmanuel. 

The Hawks engaged in a tight series of rallies with the Lions in the opening set, as both sides struggled to get an advantage. After nodding it up at nine, the Lions began to grab the lead with Shorter tailing closely behind. Despite the best efforts from the Hawks, the Lions would take the first set, edging them out 25-22. 

Shorter got off to a quick 5-1 run to begin set two, controlling the pace as the Lions crawled back into the match. Both sides would even it up at 16 all at the halfway mark. The Lions would claim the second set, closing it on a 9-3 run besting the Hawks 25-19. 

The Hawks battled it out with Emmanuel in the third set, and started to gain the upper hand as they took an 18-12 lead late. The Lions would unfortunately storm back with intense rallies and stellar defense. Shorter fought till the very end, but would drop the final set in a 26-24 final.  

Caroline Sivills led Shorter with 10 kills as Helena Kelley and Brooke Thao cracked double digit assists yet again with Thao recording a team-high 15, and Kelley adding in 13 herself. Three Hawks recorded double digit digs as Claudia Loyola led Shorter with 18, Victoria Sparks with 12, and Brooke Thao finishing with 10 to round out the Hawks. 

UP NEXT

Shorter will have a quick turn-around as they face Lees-McRae at home this Sunday at 4:00 PM. 

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