MAGNOLIA, ARK. – In a key match to keep their Great American Conference Championship Tournament hopes alive, the East Central University volleyball team fell to Southern Arkansas 0-3 (21-25, 23-25, 19-25).

The Tigers (7-17, 3-7 GAC) and the Muleriders (9-15, 3-7 GAC) are now tied for the eighth spot in the league standings with three weeks left in regular-season action.  The top eight teams in the league at the end of the year make the conference tournament in Hot Springs, Ark.

ECU was led by junior Alex Campbell, who tallied a .261 (7k-1e-23ta) hitting percentage and three blocks.  Junior Madison Gill added seven kills, a service ace, two blocks and a tem high 14 digs.

The opening set was a back-and-forth battle from start to finish, with 11 tie scores and six lead changes. ECU took the largest lead in the start of the set at three points, but saw the set quickly tied again.  The final tie came at 17-all, but it was the Muleriders that then went on a 3-0 run to take an 18-21 advantage.  That turned out to be the key difference, as the teams traded points the rest of the way, but SAU was able to take the set 21-25.

The second set was again close, with no team taking more than a three-point lead before seeing things knotted back again.  The set had 10 tie scores and six lead changes, with the final tie coming at 19-all.  The Muleriders were again able to take control with a quick 3-0 run and hold on for the 23-25 win.

The Tigers fell behind 0-5 early in third set, but quickly fought back to cut the deficit to two (4-6).  ECU kept the score within two points until a 9-3 run by SAU pushed the disadvantage back out to eight (9-17).  SAU kept the pressure up for the rest of the set and eventually took the 19-25 decision.

The Tigers will remain on the road for a Saturday, Oct. 22 match against Arkansas-Monticello at noon.