CHATTANOOGA --- Chattanooga volleyball suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mercer on Friday night in Maclellan Gymnasium.

In UTC's penultimate home match of the season, the Mocs struggled to navigate their way past the Bears, who currently sit atop the Southern Conference standings as the regular season reaches its final couple of weeks.

The Mocs found themselves in an early hole, with Mercer jumping ahead of the Mocs in set one from the start. The Bears would reach a 24-16 set point, and despite UTC fending off a total of five Mercer set points, the Bears would finally clinch a 25-21 set win to open the match up 1-0.

Chattanooga had a strong response to Mercer's first set win, with UTC opening the second frame by out-scoring the Bears 13-5. However, slowly but surely, the Bears chipped away at the Mocs' lead before finally leveling the score at 19-19. Mercer ended up narrowly navigating its way to a 26-24 comeback win in set two, now leading the match 2-0.

Deflated from the narrow loss in set two, the Mocs allowed Mercer to open the third set on a 12-2 scoring run, giving the Bears a 10-point lead that the Mocs would never end up recovering from. Ultimately taking the frame 25-12, Mercer sealed its 3-0 victory over the Mocs in commanding fashion.

The Mocs were led on the night by setter Elaine Redman, who notched yet another double-double on the year with 25 assists alongside tying for the team-high with Paige Gallentine at 15. Sydney Jackwin also finished with a double-double, leading the team with 12 paired with 14 digs.

Jackwin's two service aces also led the way for the Mocs, while Chard'e Vanzandt's four blocks paced the team on the night.

UP NEXT
The Mocs return to action for the team's final home match of the season tomorrow when the Furman Paladins come to town for UTC's Senior Day. Chattanooga and Furman are set to square off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, marking the final match at Maclellan Gymnasium of 2024.

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