Orangeburg, S.C- Alexia Crutchfield racked up 7 kills in the attempt to lift Livingstone over the finish line, but came up short in a straight sets loss to Claflin on Thursday night. The ladies fall to 2-1 (0-1 CIAA) as Claflin improves to 3-3 (1-0 CIAA). This loss ties the overall series between the two schools. 

How it happened: 

A series of attack errors from Livingstone followed by a routine of kills from Claflin opened the sore for Livingstone early in the first set. Claflin struck first and maintained the pressure until a few response kills from Ollyeon McMillon landed and gave the Lady Blue bears some light at 3-10. Unfortunately Claflin's assault held Livingstone to only 4 kills by the end of the first set. 

In the second set, Livingstone made several attempts to regain traction; it seemed as if there would be light at the end of the tunnel for Livingstone only down by two at 5-7. Although Claflin's hitting percentage fell from defensive pressure from Livingstone, Claflin responded with more pressure and pushed the score to 10-20. 

Livingstone kept trying to deliver responses from the outside hitters but was only able to record 8 kills in the third set. Reception and service error plagued Livingstone's ability to rebound in the final set. The team was held to a -.140 hitting percentage. 

Livingstone returns home to face southern division rival  Fayetteville State University on Monday, September 27. First serve is slated for 6 p.m.