BOX SCORE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida volleyball team fell in a hard fought non-conference match against Georgia Southern 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 22-25, 16-25) on Tuesday night at UNF Arena.

Leading the Ospreys (5-21) was Paige Pridgeon with 16 kills. Ashe also had 15 digs for her 13th double-double of the season. Jessica Catelano added 11 while Anna Budinska tallied 10 kills. Britt Claessens put up 42 assists. On the defensive side, Nicole Baran notched a match-high 25 digs.

“We played great volleyball tonight,” said head coach Kevin Campbell. “I was very impressed with Nicole's game. She was effective not only in passing but in serving. Paige had a break out match I felt with 16 kills, 15 digs and two aces. Her serving was very strong, when she didn't have an ace she was able to take her opponent out of system. Tonight was a great team effort. I am looking forward to the momentum carrying us into the next two conference matches.”

The Eagles (21-7) were led by Bethany Sanford with 15 kills and 10 digs. Parker Small and Lauren Claybaugh added 10 kills each. Kate Van Dyke tallied 44 assists. Ashley Roe led GSU on the defensive side with 24 digs.

In the opening set, the Eagles got out to an early 9-3 lead, but the Ospreys rallied back to cut the lead to three at 23-20. On the next possession, UNF closed the gap to two, but the Eagles held on to claim the set, taking a 1-0 lead in the match.

GSU again got out early, taking a 14-7 lead in the second set. The Ospreys responded, tying the score at 21. UNF and GSU were tied again at 22 and 23, but the Ospreys scored the final two points to claim the set and knot the match at 1-1.

The third set was back and forth between the two teams with 15 ties and eight lead changes. UNF and GSU were tied at 18 before the Ospreys broke open the scoring to take a two point 20-18 lead. The Eagles responded with a 6-2 run to go up 24-20. UNF looked to make a run late, cutting into the Eagle lead, 24-22, but GSU held on to claim the set and a 2-1 lead in the match.

The Eagles got out to a 13-7 lead in the fourth set, but the Ospreys came back, closing the gap to four at 19-15. That is as close as UNF would get as the Eagles took set four and the match.

UNF will be back in action on Saturday, Nov. 6 when the Ospreys host Atlantic Sun Conference opponent, Campbell at 3 p.m.