The Bulldogs defeat Pikeville in five sets

Barbourville, Ky. – Union volleyball dropped the first two sets on Saturday, but responded by winning the next three sets to pick up the victory.

In the third set, the Bulldogs went on a 7-0 run to take an 8-4 lead in the set. The Bulldogs closed the set on a 12-3 run to win the set 25-19. The set ended with a kill by Union's Michaela Cox.

In the fourth set, Union recorded a 13-3 run en route to a 25-16 win. In the fifth set, a kill by Michaela Cox sparked a 7-0 run for the Bulldogs that gave Union a 12-7 lead. The Bulldogs went on to win the set 15-11. Union won the matchup 3-2 (23-25, 15-25, 25-19, 25-16, 15-11).

Emily Shumaker led the Bulldogs in kills with 14, while Raquel Kessler registered 13. Maddy McGaughey, Abigail Erby, and Nicole Almestica combined to record 39 digs as Almestica led the way with 16.

"Glad to get back to our home court winning ways," Union head coach Jeremy Wise said. "It took us a little longer to lock in and get our energy and focus going. It was nice to see our resolve and focus kick in today."

The Bulldogs are now 7-13 (7-5 AAC) this season, while Pikeville is 13-7 (5-6 AAC). Up next for Union is a road conference matchup at Bluefield on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6:30 p.m.