ROME, Ga. – Shorter came from one set behind to defeat West Alabama 3-1 in Gulf South Conference volleyball action on Friday.

Shorter improves to 14-10 overall, and 12-6 in the GSC. West Alabama falls to 9-18 and 7-10. The Tigers won set one 25-23, while the Hawks claimed the ensuing three sets 25-17, 25-16 and 25-17.  

"We started off the match red hot," said UWA head coach Jordan Lay.

"We were very aggressive on both sides of the ball and were able to limit our own errors. Unfortunately, we weren't able to maintain that same consistency sets two through four. I felt we were making some great defensive plays but we have to be able to score off of them. I am proud of the way the ladies fought back at the end of set four. We have to use that same momentum and mentality moving into tomorrow night."

The Hawks combined to post a .292 attack percentage, led by Elizabeth Dowd with 17 kills and Tiffani Estep with 11. Dana Pierce and Cheyenne Frady supported the attack, combining with 51 assists.

Yanesha Johnson led UWA to a .500 attack percentage in the first set with six kills in nine attempts. The Tigers finished hitting .117 with Briana Sandifer tallying 11 kills. Johnson finished with nine. Callie Murphy and Sam Burgess each recorded 18 assists in support.

On defense, West Alabama out-blocked Shorter 5-4. GSC Freshman of the Week knocked down four block assists, followed by Sandifer and Johnson with three.

Four Hawks totaled double-digit digs, leading the Tigers by only two total digs. Dowd led with 16, followed by Dena Pierce with 12, Cheyenne McLemore with 11 and Morgan Cleveland with 10.

Abby Ames led UWA's dig effort with 19, followed by Callie Murphy with 10.

West Alabama volleyball will take on Lee University in its final road match of the regular season on Saturday. The match is set for 6 p.m. (C.S.T.) in Clevend, Tenn.