MONTEVALLO, Ala. — Despite a strong start, the University of West Alabama volleyball team fell to Montevallo 3-1 in Gulf South Conference play Tuesday night at Central State Bank Arena.

The Tigers opened the night with an impressive first set, rallying from an early deficit behind the efforts of Cadence Goeden and Jazlyn Snow. Goeden tallied several early kills, while a block from Snow and Goeden helped UWA even the score at 3-3. The Tigers built momentum midway through the frame with key plays from Klára Bobánová and Jana Petkovic, extending their lead to 20-14. Montevallo made a late push, but Goeden sealed the set with a decisive kill to give UWA a 25-23 win.

Montevallo responded with a surge of offense in the second set to even the match, and though West Alabama showed flashes of momentum with strong swings from Goeden and Bobánová, the Falcons took the frame 25-12.

The Tigers came out aggressive again in the third, highlighted by early kills from Snow and a service ace by Cloe Bonvillain. West Alabama battled to a 13-13 tie before Montevallo went on a key run to pull ahead, ultimately taking the set 25-19.

In the final frame, UWA continued to fight, with Katerina Korre, Goeden, and Snow contributing offensively and on the block. However, Montevallo's strong serving created separation down the stretch as the Falcons closed out the match 25-13.

The Tigers move to 6-8 overall and 2-5 in GSC play. West Alabama will look to bounce back at home in its next conference match against 13-3 West Florida Argonauts.