Fort Smith, Ark. – The St. Edward's volleyball team dropped a 3-1 loss to Arkansas-Fort Smith Saturday afternoon in Heartland Conference play at the Stubblefield Center.
 
St. Edward's (16-6, 10-4HC) battled for redemption having lost in its first meeting with the Lions in Austin earlier this season. However, Arkansas-Fort Smith (21-4, 13-1 HC) managed to maintain its perfect record against St. Edward's, giving up just one set.
 
In the first set, St. Edward's and Arkansas Fort-Smith split the opening points and were deadlocked, 7-7. Mid-match, the home team scored four-consecutive points to put the Hilltoppers on their heels. The visitors called a timeout down 18-14. As play resumed, the Lions offense proved too much for St. Edward's as they registered 17 kills to the Hilltoppers' four during the set. Arkansas-Fort Smith captured the set one victory, 25-19.
 
The visiting team led for the better part of the second set, but could not hold on as the Lions overtook them down the stretch. Tied at 21-21, Arkansas-Fort Smith outscored the Hilltoppers to take set two, 25-23.
 
St. Edward's showed signs of a comeback in the third set, hitting .200 and tallying 14 kills. The Hilltoppers won the set 25-21. St. Edward's registered five aces during the set while HANNAH RAUCH and KATIE MARTIN each had four kills.
 
As the fourth set opened, St. Edward's took a 15-11 advantage after a five-point run. Arkansas-Fort Smith rallied back to tie it up, 16-16. The home team would not give up the lead again and ultimately managed to capitalize on the momentum swing by winning the fourth set, 25-18.
 
KELLY JIMENEZ saw a match-high 35 digs. MARY KOEHLER recorded another double-double on the season with 11 kills and 25 digs. LOREN KELLY led St. Edward's with her 22 assists. KATIE MARTIN also registered double-digit kills with 10.
 
The Hilltoppers resume Heartland Conference play on Thursday as they take on Lubbock Christian in Austin, Texas. Live coverage and statistics will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.