Cleveland, Ga. - UPIKE volleyball was defeated 3-1 by Truett McConnell Friday night.  

The Truett McConnell Bears jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first before the UPIKE Bears went on an 8-2 run to take the lead. Neither team led by more than two until TMU went on a late 5-0 run to go up 23-20, then would take the first set 25-21.  

TMU took seven of the first ten points in the second. UPIKE went on a few runs and cut Truett McConnell's lead down to one on four separate occasions but could not get the tying point. TMU took set two 25-20 and took a 2-0 match lead.  

UPIKE jumped out to a 6-2 lead and held the lead for most of the third. Late in the set, TMU went on an 8-2 run to take a 23-21 lead. UPIKE roared back and won the set 29-27 after a block by Angelina Steiger.   

Just like the third set, UPIKE got out to an early lead in the fourth. Midway through, though, TMU rallied and went up 15-11 after a 7-1 run. Coach Kern then called a timeout which led to his team going on a 7-1 run of their own. The teams took turns going on runs but Truett McConnell took the set 25-23 and the match 3-1.  

Yaricel Rodriguez recorded a game-high 18 kills and had three blocks. Lanie Hawley had a game-high five blocks, 12 kills, and tied with Kiara Warrens with three aces. Cheyenne Martinez had 41 assists and now has 725 on the year.  

Coach Kris Kern was happy with his team's effort, saying, "Incredible performance by the Bears on the road vs a 22-win team." Coach Kern's squad will return to the court Saturday for a match with the Reinhardt Eagles.  

#BearDown