HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The Christian Brothers University women's volleyball team showed determination and resilience Thursday afternoon but ultimately came up short against top-seeded Alabama Huntsville in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference Championship Tournament.

The eighth-seeded Lady Bucs fell 3-1 to the Chargers by set scores of 25-11, 25-17, 22-25 and 25-17, bringing their season to a close with an 11-21 overall record.

Facing a UAH squad that entered the matchup with just two losses, CBU struggled to find its rhythm early as the Chargers claimed the opening two sets.

However, the Lady Bucs refused to go down without a fight.

Trailing 2-0, CBU responded with its strongest performance of the afternoon in the third set. The Buccaneers jumped out to an early 12-3 advantage and held off a late UAH rally to secure a 25-22 victory, extending the match and showing the fight that helped carry them into postseason competition.

Although UAH regained control in the fourth set to secure the victory, CBU continued battling until the final point.

Alma Solis led the Lady Bucs offensively with nine kills on 20 attempts, posting an impressive .450 hitting percentage. She also contributed three total blocks, including one solo block.

Alexis Goodman and Victoria Davenport followed with seven kills each, while Davenport added three block assists. Alana Martinez contributed five kills and six digs.

Defensively, Sophia Nowacki delivered another standout performance with a match-high 26 digs, helping keep the Buccaneers competitive throughout the afternoon.

Carleiny Morillo recorded 15 assists and six digs, while Alexis Bellarmino added 14 assists and six digs. CBU finished with 37 kills, 60 digs and six team blocks.

UAH was led by Emily Redman with 15 kills and Mary Grace Bundrant with 13 kills.

For Head Coach Lashaunda Spurgeon and the Lady Bucs, the loss marked the end of a season filled with challenges, growth and memorable accomplishments.

Despite the final result, CBU's return to the conference tournament demonstrated the team's determination to compete. From individual career milestones to a memorable Senior Day victory, the Buccaneers continued fighting and supporting one another throughout the season.

While the Lady Bucs did not get the ending they hoped for, their effort against the conference's top seed reflected a team unwilling to give up.

The season may have ended in Huntsville, but the fight, growth and memories made along the way will remain part of the Lady Bucs' journey.