PARAGOULD, Ark. — The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions defeated the Lady Pioneers of Crowley's Ridge (Ark.) College 3-1 (25-17, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23).

Audrey Orton and Cate Schroer were excellent on the attack through the first set. The Lady Lions never trailed and ended this strong set with a score of 25-17. 

FHU (8-7, 0-2 MSC) stumbled out the gate as it dropped the second set to the Pioneers 25-21. 

Freed-Hardeman stayed with Crowley's Ridge (1-4, 0-0 AMC) through most of the third set, aided by two kills a piece from Catherine Hackett, Avery Young, Schroer, and Orton during the first ten points. FHU kept the pressure on Crowley's Ridge with great defense that forced six attacking errors, which allowed the Maroon and Gold the set win. 

After a strong fourth set, the Lions trailed 23-20, but kills by Avery Harris, Schroer, and Young dashed the Pioneers hopes. 

Young earned 14 kills in the road trip opener and had a .370 hitting percentage. Charley Fulton contributed 23 digs, while Alyssa Austin tallied 25 assists. 

Freed-Hardeman will start its second match of the road trip weekend at Williams Baptist on Saturday at 1:00pm.  Read Full Article