CLEVELAND, Tenn. – The University of West Georgia Volleyball team concluded their 2023 regular season road schedule with a loss 3-1 loss to the Lee Flames on Sunday.

UWG (13-13, 7-7 GSC) struggled with their serve receive as Lee (16-14, 7-8 GSC) recorded 17 service aces, compared to West Georgia's two, which led to a four-set loss for the Wolves.

That's a tough one today," said head coach Kara Hellmann. "Proud of our efforts, especially in that third set. Had we been able to close out our comeback in that set, I think the match goes differently."

UWG's Marley Staats came out the gate red hot as the sophomore picked up a quick 4.5 points, leading to a 9-3 lead for West Georgia. The Wolves got their lead up to 16-9 midway through the set until the Flames found their footing and used a 6-1 run to cut UWG's lead down to 17-15. A kill from Zoë LaBreche halted Lee's momentum and began a string of back-and-forth action before a from Taylor Allen cinched the set, 25-22 for West Georgia.

Set two was tight to begin as Lee held a slight 10-9 advantage. A pair of service aces from the Flames' Carmen Perez sparked a 9-4 run for Lee, extending their lead to 19-13. Kills from Staats and Sanai Young kept the Wolves afloat in the set, but the Flames went on to win it, 25-16.

The third set got off to an identical start to the second set, with Lee holding a 10-9 lead to start. Moments later, the Flames extended their lead to 13-9 before three attack errors brought the Wolves back within two. After West Georgia cut their deficit to two, Lee countered as a kill from Allie Scurlock ignited a 7-3 run, putting UWG in a 21-15 hole. Down by six, the Wolves needed a spark and got one from LaBreche as a kill from the senior began a 9-1 run, giving West Georgia set point at 24-22 before Lee answered with a 4-0 run to steal the set, 26-24.

After a tough set three loss, UWG fell behind 11-8 in set four before another kill from LaBreche started a 6-1 run, putting the Wolves ahead 14-12. Much like the theme of the match, Lee countered with a run of their own as a kill from Perez sparked an 11-3 run, putting the set out of reach as Lee went on to win the set, 25-20.

LaBreche led the way with 13 kills and 10 digs, while Caitlin Frazee picked up a career-high 16 digs. Allison Bowser also picked up a career-high in digs with 13.

"We will learn from this one and look to close out regular season play next weekend on a high note in The Coliseum," Hellmann concluded.

West Georgia will be back in action on Friday when they return to The Coliseum for a matchup with the Montevallo Falcons.