Chattanooga volleyball dropped a heartbreaker Saturday in Macon, with the Mocs falling 3-2 to Mercer.
The Mocs gave the SoCon-leading Bears their best shot, but the resilient Mercer side ultimately prevailed by escaping narrowly from UTC.
UTC was put on its back foot early by the Bears, with Mercer claiming a dominant 25-13 win in set one.
The Mocs had the perfect response to this, however, taking set two 25-17 to even the score. Chattanooga’s momentum wouldn’t stop there, as the Mocs went on to claim their most dominant set win of the season in set three, taking it 25-7.
Mercer fought right back in the fourth set, reaching set point on the Mocs down the stretch.
UTC wouldn’t back down though, fending off numerous set points by the Bears. Despite this effort, the Bears would claim set four 27-25, forcing a fifth and final frame.
A strong start to the fifth set proved the difference for Mercer, as the Mocs weren’t able to reestablish themselves enough to make the comeback. By a score of 15-11, Mercer ultimately came out on top over the Mocs.
Both Breanah Rives and Elaine Redman would end the night with double-doubles for the Mocs, with Rives tallying a team-high 13 kills alongside a team-high 15 digs, while Redman came away with 47 assists and 11 digs.
Chard’e Vanzandt and Sydney Jackwin would also finish with double-digit kills, recording 13 and 12 each, respectively. Paige Gallentine would end her night with 11 digs as well for UTC.
Vanzandt would also finish her night as the team leader in blocks, registering five. Caiti Barthel led the way for the Mocs with three aces as well.
UP NEXT
The Mocs will now return home to host a trio of matches in the Scenic City, starting first this Tuesday with Alabama A&M coming to town. The match will be available to stream on ESPN+, and is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET.