FORT VALLEY, Ga. – The Wildcats could not hold the lead on Saturday. Benedict College held off host Fort Valley State in the first set, kept the trend going and was able to get past for the 3-0 women's volleyball win.

In the opening set, FVSU led by as many as four points in the early going and held a 15-13 edge. The Tigers were down by a point late and scored three in a row and four of the final five for the 25-23 win.

Benedict ran off seven points in a row and turned a 7-6 deficit into a 13-7 lead. The Wildcats could not regain the advantage in set number two and was able to get back to two points at set point, but they fell short, 22-25.

The Wildcats aimed to rally in set three and led 9-4. Benedict, though, ran off the next 10 points and ended the match from there, 25-17.

FVSU fell to 11-7 and 9-7 in the SIAC East, while Benedict (16-7) slipped ahead of them at 10-6 in the East.

Dakotah Holmes downed nine kills with only one error in 18 attacks for a .421 percentage and four digs to lead the home frontline hitters. Caytlyn Sanford downed eight winners and four blocks, while Benaye Kyle added seven kills and five digs. Antonique Coleman chipped in three kills, two blocks and an ace and both Nya Mack and Laila Hilton had two kills.

Laiani McCullough handed out 20 assists and had five digs. Jahyra Thomas had eight assists, six digs and an ace. Sarah Rosario served up five aces and dug eight attacks.

FVSU completes its home schedule on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, in a 2 p.m. match against Allen University.

-Wildcats-