Knoxville, Tenn. - UPIKE volleyball was defeated 3-0 by Johnson University Friday night.  

UPIKE got out to an 8-4 lead in the first set. The Royals went on a 8-3 run midway through the set to take an 18-15 lead. Shortly after, the Royals held a 20-17 lead. The Bears went on a 4-1 run to cut the lead to 21-20, but JU would take the set. Johnson went on a 4-0 run to close out the set and take a 1-0 lead in the match.  

Johnson jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the second before UPIKE went on a 7-3 run to take a 9-8 lead. The run was led by a kill by Kyra Looney and a kill by Alondra Ayende. Johnson would then go on a 9-3 run to go up 18-12. The Royals held on to win the set and take a 2-0 match lead. 

The teams were neck and neck early in the third when JU held a 4-3 lead. JU responded with a 5-1 run. The Bears made a few runs but did not cut JU's lead to within two and the Royals took the match 3-0.  

Yaricel Rodriguez had nine kills to lead to Bears' offense, followed by Lanie Hawley and Alondra Ayende with seven kills each. Cheyenne Martinez had a game-high 23 assists and Kiara Warrens had a game-high 18 digs.  

Following tonight's result, the Bears are now 13-6 (5-6 AAC). Coach Kern's UPIKE Bears will return to action Saturday afternoon in Barbourville, Ky. for a 1:00 PM match with Union College.  

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