University of Georgia Athletics
University of Georgia
12-3, 0-2
Tennessee
10-4, 1-1
Georgia Outlasted By Tennessee
September 25, 2016 | Volleyball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tennessee offense found a groove on Sunday, as the Volunteers (10-4, 1-1) took down Georgia (12-3, 0-2) in straight sets in Knoxville.
After falling 25-14 in a tough first set, Georgia kept the final two frames close, but lost 25-21 in both.
"We had some moments of nice rhythm, but it's hard to compete with anyone in the SEC with the number of errors we had today," said head coach Lizzy Stemke. "First week on the road was not successful in the way we would like to be competing but we will get back to the gym this week with more urgency to raise our level and find more ways to score."
Majesti Bass led the Georgia attackers with eight kills, guided by setter Meghan Donovan who finished with 23 assists. Donovan played well all-around, totaling five kills and five blocks. Desiree McCray also made crucial plays at the net, posting six blocks against the Vols.
UT 's Tessa Grubbs led all players with 12 kills while hitting at a .579 clip. Bri Holmes followed with 10 kills for the match. The Vols hit .333 as a team while four aces and 11.5 team blocks lifted UT to its win.
UT went up 2-0 at the break after using long scoring runs in both the early sets for its advantage. In the first, Georgia got within 11-9 with a Kendall Kazor kill before a 5-0 spree by the Vols opened the lead for good. Georgia led much of the second set before the Vols' service game moved the home team up 16-15. The Bulldogs surged back late with kills from McCray and Megan Spencer to hold off set point, but the Vols would put it away.
A fast start for Georgia out of the locker room had the Bulldogs up 8-4 in the third after a Donovan kill. The Vols got their first lead at 15-14 after capitalizing on three Bulldog miscues. From there, five tied scores put the contest at 20-all before a 5-1 run by UT sealed the match.
Georgia returns home this weekend to continue SEC action, taking on Alabama and Auburn beginning with the Crimson Tide coming to the Ramsey Center on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
HOW TO FOLLOW GEORGIA VOLLEYBALL: For complete information on Georgia volleyball, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGAVolleyball on Twitter and Instagram and UGAVolleyball on Facebook and Snapchat.
