FLORENCE, Ala. (September 24, 2023) – North Alabama Volleyball was defeated by the Lipscomb Bisons ,3-0, ending their streak of five matches unbeaten in CB&S Bank Arena inside Flowers Hall in Florence, Ala.

The Lions (10-5, 2-1 ASUN) lost their first match in the Atlantic Sun Conference after winning their first two against Central Arkansas and Austin Peay. Lipscomb had an efficient afternoon on the attack, averaging a .400 hitting percentage compared to North Alabama's .196. The Bisons also had a cleaner match, with nine errors to UNA's 15.

Set one was in favor of UNA early, leading 8-5, but nine-straight points from the Bisons quickly put Lipscomb up 14-8 midway. North Alabama would respond with a three-point run to cut the deficit to three, but a combination of six kill, two service aces and three errors from UNA helped fuel the visitors en route to winning the first set, 25-17. This mark the first set that UNA has lost in over three matches running ten sets.

The second set would prove to be the most competitive as Lipscomb and North Alabama had to play into extras in order to decide a winner. Neither team could get a run going until the 16-15 mark when UNA ran off four-straight to go up 19-16, the largest lead of the set. The Bisons fought their way back, outscoring the Lions eight to five to force a win-by-two situation. Both teams exchanged a point into extras, but two straight kills from Lipscomb gave the Bisons set two, 27-25.

UNA and Lipscomb started the third set going back-and-forth before a three-point run at 5-4 put the Lions up 7-5. It would be the only run by North Alabama in the set, with Bisons responding with a five to two run to put the visitors back up by one, 10-9. The Lions stayed competitive, as 10 points from Lipscomb was answered with eight points from UNA to make the set 20-17 towards the final stretch. The Bisons held on with a five points to two run to capture the third set, 25-19, and the match 3-0.

Freshman outside hitter Avery Markham was the top scorer for the Lions, contributing 12 kills with a .440 hitting percentage and five digs. Senior defensive specialist/libero Katie Gerig tied a game-high with two service aces, and graduate middle blocker Maggie Sullivan tied with sophomore outside hitter Hayley Martin with a team-high two blocks. Junior setter Elif Ozsoy paced UNA with 15 assists, and graduate libero Luana Bulara finished with a team-high 12 digs.

North Alabama Volleyball will return to action on Friday, Sept. 29, when the Lions play their first of two matches in the state of Kentucky against ASUN foe Eastern Kentucky University. First serve will be at 5 p.m.