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RADFORD, Va. – Despite taking the first set from the host team Radford University, the Kennesaw State volleyball team couldn't hold off the Highlanders, falling 3-1 (25-22, 19-25, 21-25, 14-25) to end their weekend at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Radford Invitational at 1-2.
 
Toure Hopkins put up solid numbers for KSU during the defeat, earning eight kills, four blocks and three service aces, giving the sophomore 13.5 points for the match.
 
"We played unbelievably hard, like we always do," said head coach Keith Schunzel. "We learned a lot about the team, what we're good at and where we are weak. Our toughness really showed and we didn't cash it in. We kept playing until they hit 25."
 
The Owls played a steady set of volleyball during the opening tilt, padding their lead to 10-5 off of an attack error by the home team, capitalizing off of a pair of Hopkins blocks in the early goings as well. KSU never relinquished the lead in the first set as back-to-back kills from Kelly Marcinek slammed the door on the Highlanders, 25-22.
 
A 7-1 run from the Highlanders in the second set helped bolster RU to a 16-11 lead late in the set after the Owls started things off with a 4-1 advantage. A pair of kills from Hopkins cut the lead down to four points for Radford, but the comeback was short lived as the Highlanders took the set 25-19.
 
It was more of the same in the third set as the teams played to an 8-8 tie after a Cierra Royster kill knotted things up. A surge from Radford then put the Highlanders up 17-13 before ultimately taking the third 25-21.
 
Radford broke away early on in the fourth and final set, taking a 15-5 lead and never looking back during a 25-14 set win to end the match at 3-1.
 
On the offensive end it was again Marcinek who shined, tying for the team lead with Keyaira Stevenson with 11 kills, giving Marcinek 42 combined on the weekend. Metroka again earned double-figure assists with her 35.
 
Marcinek's standout performance earned the freshman a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
 
KSU returns to the court on Friday, Sept. 6, when the team takes on Ole Miss at noon ET in the opening game of the Magnolia Invitational in Oxford, Miss.
To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State volleyball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsVB or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook.

Fans are reminded that tickets to all 2013 home volleyball contests are free throughout the year.

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