Pikeville, KY – UPIKE volleyball battled with Bethel on Sunday afternoon, dropping three sets (25-11, 25-17, 25-15) despite several quality runs throughout the series. The Bears put pressure on the Wildcats in the second set especially, taking as much as a five-point lead after tying the game 7-7.

As a team, the Bears struck for 22 kills which is the second most for UPIKE against conference opponents this season. The Bears managed their best performance in the final set, recording nine kills before playing the Wildcats within one for the majority of the contest.

Middle hitter Erin Ende notched a season high seven kills in the contest, leading the team with a hitting average of .263. Ende finished with a solo block as well.

Yeryvel Catala hit for seven kills in the contest, her best in the category against conference opponents this season. The Puerto Rico native tallied a season high .267 hitting percentage as well, also finishing with a season best eight digs. Leigh Johnson dug seven for UPIKE while Reels managed six.

In the first set of the match, Bethel struck first and went out to a 13-2 lead before the Bears surged back with a 6-0 run to remain competitive. Bethel finished the set with a 6-2 run to claim their first win of the day.

UPIKE took their first lead of the contest in the second set after a kill from Catala put the ball in Johnson's hands. Johnson served up a pair of aces to put the Bears up 5-3. The Wildcats tied things up at seven again but UPIKE continued to strike to hold an advantage up until 11-11 when Bethel would take the lead for good.

UPIKE volleyball returns to action against Thomas More on Wednesday, March 17^th in the UPIKE Gym.