ANDERSON, S.C. --- For the third time in the last four matches, the Tusculum women's volleyball team needed a fifth set to decide a winner. Anderson withstood the rally by TU on Saturday (Oct. 5) afternoon.

The Pioneers (5-9, 3-3 SAC) fell short to the Trojans (6-7, 3-3 SAC) by scores of 20-25, 28-26, 23-25, 25-22, 10-15.

Anderson was led by 21 kills from Ava Reeves, followed by Emily Campbell (16), Mia Elder (10), and Brantley Chipley (10). Ellie Nieporte dished out 61 assists, while three Trojans landed a service ace: Hannah Neff, Ava Reeves, and Mia Bennett. Defensively, Katy Smith scooped up 20 digs and Campbell added four total blocks.

Whitney Thompson contributed a season-best 14 kills, ahead of 12 by Addison McLarty on a .367 hitting percentage. Six other Pioneers added kills to the column: Olivia Crowl (7), Karris Oller (6), Madison Adkins (4), Taylor Sanders (4), Martina Foster (3), and McKayla Willey (2). Adkins was responsible for 41 assists, while Macey Snapp landed a personal-best trio of aces. Amiranee Au dug up 25 attempts, as Snapp had a career day with 16 digs. Adkins tied her collegiate-high with six total blocks (two solo, four assists).

Anderson hit .202 as a team with 74 kills and 33 errors on 203 total attempts. Tusculum hit .153 with 52 kills, 25 errors, and 177 total attacks. The Pioneers led the match in service aces (9-3) and total blocks (13-6), while the Saints tallied more assists (70-50) and digs (91-81).

Tusculum will look to end its three-match skid with a visit to Emory & Henry on Tuesday (Oct. 8). The Pioneers and Wasps are scheduled for a 7 p.m. first serve.