Frankfort, Ky. - The Maryville volleyball squad closed out its first tournament of the season with a narrow 3-2 loss at Kentucky State Saturday afternoon. Set scores were 22-25, 25-11, 25-27, 25-15, 12-15. Rachel Hurt paced the Saints with 15 kills, while Taylor Hasbrook served up seven aces and had a team-high 15 digs.
 
What Happened
The Saints tried to rally late in set one but Kentucky State held on for a 25-22 decision. In the second set, Maryville roared out of the gate and used a 5-0 run to build a 12-2 advantage. The Saints pushed their lead to as many as 14 points and cruised to even the match 25-11 after hitting a match-best .524 in the set.
 
In the third set, the tilt was deadlocked at 25-25 but Kentucky State scored two straight to grab a 2-1 margin. Set four was tied at 2-2 until the Saints reeled off a 4-0 burst. Maryville's edge reached five at 13-8, and the Saints doubled their advantage at 16-8 to force a KSU timeout. The Saints kept a comfortable margin, and Grace Knadler's tip was good for a 25-15 win to force a fifth set. Maryville's defense forced KSU into hitting -.077.
 
Kentucky State scored the first two points of the final set until the Saints scored on a KSU error. Down 5-2, Knadler had a solo block and teamed with Rachel Hurt for another to pull to within 5-4. Hurt tacked on a kill to pull the Saints to within 6-5. However, KSU tallied four straight for a 10-5 advantage and extended the cushion to 13-7. The Saints saved three straight match points before KSU finally converted for a 15-12 win.
 
Statistical Leaders
Kills: Rachel Hurt - 15
Hitting Percentage: Rachel Hurt - .294
Assists: Abbie Schnell - 36
Service Aces: Taylor Hasbrook - 7
Digs: Taylor Hasbrook - 15
Blocks: Rachel Hurt - 3
 
Records
Maryville: 1-2
Kentucky State: 1-2
 
What's Next?
The Saints make a return to the Bluegrass State as they are next in action for a tournament hosted by Kentucky Wesleyan Sept. 10-11 in Owensboro, Ky. Maryville will play two matches each day.