LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Sam Houston volleyball team dropped a four-set match to Liberty on Friday night at Liberty Arena. 

The Bearkats (13-11, 8-5 CUSA) fell 3-1 to the Flames by scores of 19-25, 25-20, 21-25 and 21-25. 

Liberty took control early with a 25-19 win in the opening set. The Bearkats responded in the second, pulling away for a 25-20 win with help from Lylah Washington who delivered six kills in the set. 

In the third set, Sam Houston fought back from a six-point deficit but came up short, falling 25-21. Despite a late rally in the fourth, Liberty secured the match with another 25-21 victory. 

Washington recorded her second 20-plus kill performance of the season with 21 kills, while Avery Fowler added 32 assists. 

The Bearkats will close out the weekend series against the Flames on Saturday at noon.