CARROLLTON, GA- In a hard-fought match, the West Georgia Wolves volleyball team pushed Central Arkansas to four sets before falling, 3–1.


Despite a tough loss in Sunday's home contest, UWG's (2-19, 0-8 ASUN) trio of Grace-Blythe Cornett, Valiree Schmus, and Addy Franz delivered standout performances against ASUN rival Central Arkansas (10-8, 7-1 ASUN) in a four-set thriller.


Out the gate the match started with high intensity from both squads as Central Arkansas jumped out to an early 5-3 lead. UWG quickly responded, trading blows and evening the score at 5-5 behind strong play from Blythe Cornett and Schmus. However, the Sugar Bears found their rhythm offensively, stringing together back-to-back 4-0 runs that created some separation late in the set. Those bursts of momentum quieted any comeback attempt from the Wolves, and UCA closed out the opening set with a 25-19 win to take a 1-0 lead in the match.


The second set opened with another back-and-forth battle, featuring multiple early ties and lead changes. Just as it looked like UCA might pull away with a 10-6 lead, the Wolves responded with a crucial 4-0 run to even the score at 10-10. Molly Brunell, Blythe Cornett, and Schmus were all key contributors to help spark the comeback and swing the momentum back in West Georgia's favor. The set continued to seesaw until UWG began to take control, putting together four straight points, and which is highlighted by a clutch ace from Maggie Kachmarik to grab a 17-14 lead. UCA had a late push, but West Georgia stood their ground, shutting down the rally and closing out the set with a 25-22 win to even the match at 1-1.


With the match tied at 1-1, set three proved to be a pivotal moment for both teams. Central Arkansas edged out to an 11-10 lead early, then took full control with a six-point run late. From there, the Sugar Bears maintained their momentum, keeping the Wolves at arm's length and closing out the set 25-19 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.


Set four mirrored the previous sets, with both teams locked in a back-and-forth battle with multiple lead changes. Neither side could create much separation, each trading points and putting their best foot forward. UCA managed to pull ahead late with an 18-14 lead, but West Georgia answered with a six-point run fueled by key kills from Sanai Young and Schmus to take a 20-18 lead. The Wolves looked to force a fifth set, even holding a 23-20 advantage, but the Sugar Bears would find a late spark and close out the set on a 6-1 run. Sneaking pass UWG with a 26-24 victory and winning the match, 3-1.


Blythe-Cornett (17) and Schmus (16) both finished the match leading the team in kills, combining for 33 on an impressive .452 hitting percentage. Both players also recorded career-highs in kills in a UWG uniform. Addy Franz also added to the standout performances with a career-high 40 assists on the day.


The Wolves hit the road for a two-game trip, taking on Queens on Friday, October 22 at 6 p.m., followed by a matchup against Lipscomb on Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m.