DAYTON, Tenn. – The Bryan College Lady Lions fell to the University of Pikeville Bears in conference play on Saturday morning. The Bears won 25-17, 25-21, 26-28, 25-18.

Pikeville was led by a balanced offensive attack, with three players reaching double figures in kills. Senior Theresa Romero paced the Bears with 14 kills on a .355 hitting percentage, while junior Lanie Hawley added 14 kills with an impressive .455 efficiency. Gracey Lovgren contributed 12 kills with a .194 hitting percentage. The Bears' offensive dominance was evident in their overall team statistics, recording 60 kills compared to Bryan's 42, while hitting .292 as a team versus the Lions' .138 mark.

For Bryan College, which fell to 1-17 overall and 0-2 in conference, Bella Beard and Leah Lindquist each tallied 13 kills to lead the Lions' attack. However, the team struggled with consistency, committing 24 attack errors throughout the match. Setter Chloie Brinton orchestrated Pikeville's offense with 53 assists, while libero Ashtyn Filkins anchored the defense with 14 digs.

The third set provided the most drama, with Bryan rallying from a 22-21 deficit to take a 28-26 victory and extend the match. However, Pikeville responded with a dominant fourth set, building a 15-7 lead and cruising to the victory.

The Lady Lions will continue with conference play on Tuesday as they are on the road against Tennessee Wesleyan University.