The Ave Maria University volleyball team was on the short end of a three-set match on Wednesday night, falling to the visiting Southeastern University Fire 25-21, 25-10, 25-19. The Gyrenes put together runs in both the first and third sets, but could not manage to steal a set from Southeastern.
 
Ave Maria jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the opening set before Southeastern rallied with five of the next six points to even the set at eight. The teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the set, leading to a 20-20 tie. The Fire then scored five of the final six points to claim the win in the opening set.
 
In the second set, Southeastern rolled behind a dominant attack that converted 11 of 17 kill opportunities. Ave Maria led early 3-2 before Southeastern went on to 12-2 run en route to the 15-point victory.
 
Southeastern appeared near another decisive victory in the third set, leading 11-4. The Gyrenes then rallied in an effort to force a third set, going on a 9-2 run to tie the set at 13. Ave Maria kept the set close for the remainder of the match, but could not again close the gap.
 
Lexy Smith was Ave Maria's leading attacker, amassing 11 kills. Hannah Wurster added seven kills. Lauren Ruby recorded 19 assists, and also had three kills and three digs. Jessica Schein led the defensive effort with ten digs in the losing effort.
 
For Southeastern, Lydia Rooth (16) and Uche Kojo combined for 26 kills and only seven attack errors. Lindsey Fleming posted a game-high 33 assists, and the Fire combined as a team for six blocks.
 
The Gyrenes head to Temple Terrace for a Thursday matchup with Florida College. Ave Maria returns home on Saturday for Senior Day, where the Gyrenes host Florida Memorial at 2 p.m.