Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - In a match that was a back and forth battle from the opening volley, the Freed-Hardeman Lady Lion Volleyball team stepped up when it mattered most to come away with a 3-1 victory over in-state foe Bethel University Tuesday at the Brewer Sports Center.

"I was so proud of the fight we showed tonight against a tough Bethel team," said Todd Humphry, head coach for the FHU Volleyball team. "We need to use the momentum from tonight's win as we begin conference play this weekend."

The Lady Lions (5-2) were led by their power three on the front line, as Bojana Antunovic, Shea Dean and Claire Walker all reached double digits on the attack for FHU. Antunovic led the way with 19 kills, which included a .471 hitting percentage while Dean followed close behind with 15 kills of her own. Walker rounded out the Lady Lion attack with 12 kills.

Emma Self distributed the ball well for the Lady Lions, as she dished out 48 of FHU's 52 assists while Reilly Fulton countered the Bethel attack well with 16 defensive digs. Fulton also found success at the service line, as she contributed four service aces in the win. The Lady Lions compiled 58 kills in the match and hit .253 compared to Bethel University (4-2), who compiled 59 kills with a .160 hitting percentage.

The first set went down to the wire; however, the Lady Lions were able to find their stride when it mattered most. As things were knotted up at 25 apiece, Antunovic stepped up with a timely kill followed by an Emma Campbell service ace to take the opening set 27-25.

Bethel returned the favor in the second set, as they came away with a 27-25 set win capped off by a Rachael Gunn kill and an attack error by FHU to even things up at one set apiece.

However, from there the Lady Lions kept their foot on the gas pedal to take the next two sets 26-24 and 25-20 to send the Wildcats home with just their second loss of the season.

With the win, the Lady Lions move to 5-2 on the season. Bethel University falls to 4-2 on the season with the loss.

UP NEXT: The Lady Lions are back in action Friday, September 14th, as they open conference play on the road at Stephens College. Match time is slated for 6:00 PM in Columbia, Mo.