NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff volleyball team fought hard but ultimately fell in four sets (25-13, 16-25, 17-25, 17-25) to Tennessee State on Friday night at Kean Hall. 

The Lady Lions jumped out early and took the first set before the Lady Tigers strung together wins in the next three sets to win the series in their first-ever meeting.

"We came out with a game plan, in which we executed in the first set," said first-year UAPB head coach Chelsey Lucas.  "We had some good moments in the matchup against TSU.  As a young team, we've got to learn to finish the game, but it will come as we start conference play."

Sophomore Haley Gomez led the Lady Lions with 12 kills, four digs, and one block assist, followed by sophomore Kaila Robinson with seven kills, 18 digs, and four assists.  Freshman Elyssa Kennedy added 23 assists and eight digs.

On the defensive side, Bri-Anna Armstrong led UAPB with three block assists in her first game as a Lady Lion. 

The Lady Lions will be back in action on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Middle Tennessee.