ROME, Ga., – Trailing 2-1 in a key Gulf South Conference road match at Shorter, the University of North Alabama volleyball team rallied for two victories to record the 3-2 win. Three players reached double digits in kills in the 16-25, 25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 15-9 victory that gives the Lions a 19-6 overall record and 12-2 mark in GSC play.

The victory completes the season sweep and also marks the second straight 3-2 victory over Shorter on the Hawks' home floor. UNA defeated Shorter 3-2 last season in the semi-final round of the GSC Tournament.

On Saturday, the Lions faced elimination after dropping the third set. In the fourth set, UNA pulled away late to stay alive. With the game tied at 16-16, North Alabama scored five straight points to take control. Shorter closed the gap to 23-19 before the Lions scored two of the next three points to get the win.

In the fifth set, UNA led wire to wire. The Lions jumped out to a 7-2 lead and held a 13-5 advantage to prompt a Shorter timeout. The Hawks could never find an offensive rhythm in the final set, hitting -.111 as a team.

Lexie Bradley had a match-high 15 kills and hit .333 for the Lions. Jessica Austin added 14 kills while Natasha Fomina recorded 13 kills on the day. Andrea De Leon had 43 assists while Ashtyn Kapovich turned in 23 digs for North Alabama. Peyton Lang also reached double figure with 10 digs on the day.

Shorter (11-8 overall, 9-4 GSC) was led by Madeline Munroe and Tiffani Estep who had 11 kills each.

UNA will return home for its next match against Christian Brothers on Friday. Match time is set for 7 p.m. at Flowers Hall.