The Snow College women's volleyball team suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of Utah State University Eastern Thursday in the first round of the Region 18 Tournament.
 
Snow College entered the match having defeated the Eagles in the final match of the regular season by a 3-2 score.  Thursday's meeting served as the rubber match of the season series as USUE defeated the Badgers Sept. 30. 
 
Snow College won the first set 25-18 behind a timely 9-3 run that gave it a 19-11 advantage.  The Badgers had a 22-20 lead late in the second set before the Eagles rattled off five straight points to win the set 25-22.
 
The Badgers controlled the third set jumping out to a 19-11 lead once again.  They cruised to a 25-16 victory to put the Eagle's backs against the wall.
 
Snow College jumped out to a 9-6 lead before the Eagles went on a 10-2 run to take a 14-10 lead.  The Badgers wouldn't be able to cut into the lead as they would lose the fourth set 25-19.
 
The Badgers jumped out to a 9-8 lead to begin the decisive fifth set.  The Eagles would quickly turn things around as they won seven of the final eight points to capture the fifth set, 15-10, and the match, 3-2.
 
Ashlyn Olsen led the charge offensively with 22 kills.  Kesa Makasini had 14 kills while Macie Gordan had a double-double with 11 kills and 14 digs.  Corinne Taysom also had 14 digs while Avery Fowler and Hannah Smith each had 12 digs.  Meg Carter had 25 assists while Corinne Taysom handed out 23 helpers in the loss.  
 
Snow College will now need to receive an at-large bid in order to participate in the NJCAA National Tournament.  For information on the potential match, visit snowbadgers.com.