[BOX SCORE]

LEXINGTON, Ky. - A day after being ranked in the top 25 of the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll, the Panthers fell to Transylvania University in four sets as they start a six game road trip over the next eight days. 

Birmingham-Southern got out to an early lead after a couple kills and an ace gave them some momentum. Transy responded back quickly tying the game at 4-4. Both teams played back and forth until the Pioneers went on a six point run to take a 12-6 lead early in the first set. Right after, BSC went on their own six point run to tie the game back up at 12-12. Four attack errors (three straight) helped the Panthers get back in the game. Birmingham-Southern had momentum on their side and after some back and forth pulled ahead and stayed ahead for the latter part of the first set. The Panthers were two points away from clinching the first set, but Transy turned it up and rattled off five straight points to steal set one from the Panthers.

Birmingham-Southern came out with some fire in the second set as they jumped out to an early 6-1 lead. A couple kills by Gigi Fields jump started the run. Again Transy would not go away easily as they found themselves right back in the game and retaking the lead after an 8-2 run. Later a five point run would put the Pioneers ahead and keep them ahead. BSC would fight back and get within three points a couple of times but Transy proved to be too much and won the second set 25-17. 

Birmingham-Southern avoided the sweep by winning the third set in dominate fashion. The offense and defense both found their grove in the set as they won 25-13. Kate Powell and Grace Waddell were able to make spectacular digs and helping the offense find their rhythm to a dominate third set victory. 

The Panthers looked to push the game to a deciding fifth set but were unable to. A tough fought fourth set was where it ended for BSC. The teams battled back and forth with the largest lead being just five points. Transy pulled away late and was able to take home the win after a 25-23 fourth set victory. 

Records
#20 Birmingham-Southern 3-1, (RV) Transylvania 2-3

Set Summary
SET ONE: 25-23 Transy
SET TWO: 25-17 Transy
SET THREE: 25-13 BSC
SET FOUR: 25-23 Transy

Up next
The Panthers will travel to Columbus, Ohio as they participate in the Pam Briggs Classic co-hosted by Capital University and Otterbien University. They open up on Saturday, Sept 9 at 3 p.m. as they take on Defiance College.