GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) volleyball team took a straight-set loss to Mercer (24-26, 18-25, 15-25) in Fleming Gymnasium Friday night.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
UNCG gained an early 10-4 lead over Mercer to begin the match. However, the Bears chipped away to come back into the set for game one to turn into a back-and forth battle. Fleming Gymnasium saw 12 ties and seven lead changes throughout the extended first set. However, with UNCG up 24-23 for set point, the Bears recorded a 3-0 run to secure the 1-0 lead over the Spartans (26-24).

Mercer continued its momentum into the second set to start it off with an 11-3 lead over UNCG. With the score 15-5, in favor of Mercer, UNCG captured a 5-0 run that was brought on with kills from Hallie Cook and Aylin Baran, along with a service ace from Cook to put the squad back within range (10-15). However, Mercer would continue to hold the lead for the entire second game. A final 3-0 run from the Bears gave the visiting team set two, 25-18.

The Bears began the third game with an 8-3 lead over UNCG. However, the Spartans came back within three on a couple occasions in the game at 7-10 and 8-11, but Mercer would maintain the lead throughout the rest of the game. A final kill from Mercer's Hannah White gave the team set three, 25-15.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Baran led the Spartans with her fourth career double-double by notching 14 kills and 10 digs on the day.
• Cook followed closely behind with eight kills and nine digs in Friday's contest.
• Avery Sziksai and Cook both notched two service aces apiece for the Spartans.
• Madeline Timmerman led the team at the net by gathering three total blocks.
• Izora Gragg led the team as the setter with 16 assists.

Records
UNCG: 1-19, 0-9, SoCon
Mercer: 11-9, 7-2, SoCon

Up Next
The Spartans will continue homecoming weekend by taking on Samford on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. Saturday's game will be a white out game, fans are encouraged to wear white. Saturday's game will also recognize alumni in attendance and UNCG volleyball players will be signing autographs after the game.