By Wesley Evans

LEXINGTON, Va.—Despite snagging the first two sets from the Panthers, the Southern Virginia University women's volleyball team was unable to secure a victory over Birmingham Southern Friday afternoon at Doremus Gym at the Washington and Lee Tournament, dropping the match 3-2 by scores of 25-23, 27-25, 15-25, 23-25 and 13-15.

The Knights jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after taking the first two tightly contested sets, winning by a combined four points. Birmingham Southern took control of the third set, winning handily before overcoming Southern Virginia in the fourth contest. In the final competition, the Panthers ousted the Knight squad by a meager two points to secure the victory.

First-year players Calyn Barry and Vanessa Pawlak led Southern Virginia with nine kills apiece, with Pawlak also registering 10 digs on the defensive end. Setter Valerie Arkansas gave the Knights 26 assists and senior Kaitlyn Eaton recorded a game-high 12 blocks—six solo and six assisted.

April Bennett and McKenna Koster each had 12 digs to give Southern Virginia a strong defensive effort.

Sophomore outside hitter Lynsie Bird finished with a match-high 17 kills to lead Birmingham Southern.

Volleyball is back in action at the Washington and Lee Tournament Saturday, as it takes on the host Generals at 10:30 a.m. followed by Roanoke College at 3:30.