PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville volleyball team fell 3-0 to a familiar opponent Friday night, losing games to Kentucky Christian University 25-18, 25-19, and 25-16.
 
The Bears, who turned in a better all-around performance Friday than they did against KCU back in September, now sit at 6-26 on the year. The Lady Knights' win means they finish the regular season at 23-4.
 
The Bears showed lots of promise early on, with KCU unable to open a significant lead in Set 1. Senior Brittany Hodge recorded an ace to get her team within one and the net tied the game at 11-11 after a lengthy rally. KCU eventually started to find their form and a kill by freshman Chloe Long followed by consecutive aces for sophomore Libero Jessi Hartzler finished the game off 25-18.
 
Set 2 looked to be a cause for optimism among the Bears fans present as well when sophomore Taylor Watkins' emphatic kill put UPIKE on the board first, and junior Stephanie Dounseroux produced a clever flick for the highlight reel that somehow landed between all six of the Lady Knights.
 
The Bears' early lead was erased however by a dominant rally from KCU, with senior Ally Hall making the 1000^th kill of her collegiate career much to the delight of her teammates and the contingent of KCU fans who had made the trip to Pikeville. A late 4-0 rally by the Bears was thwarted by sophomore Magen Daniel's winning kill.
 
Set 3 was more of what the Lady Knights are used to, as they never relinquished the lead en route to a comfortable 25-16 victory.
 
Pikeville recorded 23 kills in the loss, led by freshman Chelsea Staples with six and five coming from Hodge and Watkins. Dounseroux was credited with all 20 assists in the match.
 
Staples was a force defensively as well, picking up five blocks, four of which were solos. Watkins had a solo and an assist. Dounseroux had 14 digs in the contest while freshman Haley Johnson added 13.
 
KCU was led offensively by Ally Long with 14 kills and Chloe Long adding 11.
 
The Bears have one last home game Tuesday, November 6^th when they will welcome Alice Lloyd College. Senior Brittany Hodge will be honored by fans, teammates and coaches alike as part of the Senior Night festivities. The opening serve is set for 7 p.m.
 
 
-UPIKE-