HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Lady Lions volleyball team (4-5, 1-2 MSC) fell in straight sets (23-25, 20-25, 21-25) on Tuesday night to Cumberland University (13-3, 2-1 MSC).

While the score-line showed a sweep, it didn't show the back-and-forth between the two teams throughout the match.

The Phoenix got out to an early 10-4 lead in the first set, but the Lady Lions were able to battle back after a 5-1 run on kills from Kacey Donegan, Ashlynne Clifft, and Claire Walker, along with a service ace from Allie Humphry.

The set would continue to stay close until Cumberland built their lead back to six points at 22-16. The Lady Lions would then go on a 4-0 run behind a kill and three service aces from Walker to make it 23-20, but the Phoenix were able to hold on and take the set.

In the second set, the Lady Lions led for the majority of the set, but they couldn't find a way to separate themselves from the Phoenix.

Cumberland gained its first lead of the set when they went on a 4-1 run to take a 16-15 lead, which they wouldn't relinquish, to go up 2-0 in the match.

The third set started off like the first two until the Lady Lions were able to gain control and take an 11-6 lead on a 5-1 run, thanks to multiple attack errors by Cumberland, as well as a service ace from Humphry and a kill from Clifft.

The set would go back and forth, with Cumberland battling back into the set, not allowing the Lady Lions to gain any more breathing room to try and force a fourth set. They would eventually take the lead at 20-19 and hang on to win the match and earn the sweep.

It was a strong outing from Donegan, who finished the contest with 18 kills and 13 digs for the double-double.

Emma Campbell finished the game with 16 digs, followed by Bryce Morris with 10, and eight each for Humphry and Katie Speaks.

Humphry tallied 31 assists in the contest.

The Lady Lions will be back in action on Thursday when they host Lyon College in the final game of their homestand. Game time is set for 7 p.m.