FAYETTEVILLE, NC – The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (3-5, 3-1 CIAA) gave a strong effort, but the team faded late in a heartbreaking five-set road loss to the Fayetteville State Lady Broncos (4-4, 3-2 CIAA). After winning the opening two sets of the match, 25-22 and 25-22, the team took tough losses in the final three sets, 19-25, 12-25, and 12-15.

As a team, the Lady Rams gave a solid overall effort, totaling 40 kills, but they were hampered by 32 attack errors, including 20 in the final three sets, and 12 receiving errors. Defensively, the team had a solid outing as well with 41 digs and 8.0 total blocks. Freshman outside hitter Sydney Holland led the way for the Lady Rams with another double-double effort. She totaled 14 kills and tied the team lead with 11 digs while junior right side hitter Olivia Owens added 10 kills and four total blocks (three solo). Senior outside hitter Jenna Baranowski also added 11 digs while senior setter Kayla Brass added 30 assists with three service aces.

The Lady Rams controlled the entire opening set of the match, leading from beginning to end and only trailed twice in the second set, falling behind by only three points, 11-14. The team staged a furious comeback effort in the set, outscoring the Lady Broncos 14-8 to take the set victory. The Lady Rams benefitted from five FSU errors in the final six points of the set, including a block from senior middle blocker Chelsea Violenes.

Things looked good for the Lady Rams early in the third set as the team jumped out to a 10-6 lead, but allowed a 12-1 run by the Lady Broncos to fall into an 11-18 deficit that the team could not overcome. The Lady Rams did manage a strong rally as they pulled to within one point, 17-18, but they would never overcome. The fourth set turned out to be a struggle as well for the Lady Rams as the team took the lead just once during the set, but was not able to pull out the win.

In the deciding set, the Lady Rams gave a good effort, but could not find the points when they needed them. After battling to a 9-9 tie, the Lady Rams were outscored 6-3 to take the loss.

The Lady Rams won't have long to linger, however, as they will return home for their next match as they host the Saint Augustine's Lady Falcons, in a 7:00 p.m. match, Monday evening at Whitaker Gymnasium. For more information on Lady Rams volleyball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.