Bluefield, Va. - UPIKE volleyball fell to 5-5 in AAC play after a 3-1 match loss to Bluefield University Tuesday night.  

UPIKE jumped out to a 7-3 lead in set one before the Rams scored eight of the next twelve to tie the score. After the two teams took teams going on runs, the Bears found themselves trailing. 21-19. UPIKE proceeded to score six of the final eight points in the set, capped off by a kill by Lanie Hawley to put the Bears up 1-0 in the match.  

Just like the first set, the second set was very close. The teams took turns going on short runs until the Rams took a commanding 23-16 lead late. UPIKE went on a 3-0 run, but Bluefield ultimately took the set and tied the match at 1-1. Bluefield opened the third set with a 10-4 run then followed it up with a 9-4 run. The Rams took the third set and a 2-1 match lead.  

In set four, the Bears found themselves trailing 5-2 early and 14-8 midway through the set. The Bears showed life, however, going on a 5-1 run to cut BU's lead to two. Bluefield responded with a 6-2 run and went on to take set four and the match.  

Leading the UPIKE attack tonight against the Rams with 17 kills was Yaricel Rodriguez, followed by Lainey Hawley with nine. Cheyenne Martinez had 19 assists while Kiara Warrens led the Bears' defense with 18 digs. 

The Bears will return to action Friday evening when they travel to Knoxville, Tenn., for a conference bout with Johnson University.  

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