Johnson City, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2023) – The volleyball team saw its three-match winning streak come to an end on Friday. The women’s volleyball team fell in a hard-fought five-set to Samford (25-18, 21-25,25-27,25-23,19-17).

Set 1: Samford came out strong, winning the first set 25-18 with a .438 attack percentage.

Set 2: ETSU improved its play in the second set and won it 25-21, following a 4-0 run.

Set 3: ETSU secured the set with a 27-25 score.

Set 4: Samford won the set 25-23, forcing a fifth set.

Set 5: The fifth set was won by Samford 19-17, ending the match.

In the first set, Samford’s strong attack led them to a 25-18 win despite Sophomore Brianna Cantrell’s (Appleton, Wis.) efforts to keep the Bucs in contention. 

However, ETSU managed to bounce back in the second set, securing a 25-21 win after a late surge. 

The third set was closely contested, with Senior Jenna Forster (Maryville, Tenn.) and Junior Amanda Lowe (Blacksburg, Va.) combining for 10 kills to secure a 27-25 victory for the Bucs. 

In the fourth set, ETSU fought hard, but Samfords’s determined play forced a fifth set, which ultimately ended with a close 19-17. The match was intense, with the fifth set witnessing an incredible 15-tie score, highlighting the competitiveness of both teams.

Photo of ETSU volleyball players during match against Samford. (Dora Mercado/East Tennessean)

Despite the loss, ETSU remained focused on their upcoming home match against Mercer, where they planned to honor their four seniors.

The Bucs fell in the Saturday, Nov. 4, to Mercer in four sets.

 With a current overall record of 5-20 and 5-9 in SoCon play, the team aims to put up a strong performance in their next match, Nov. 10 at The Citadel.