RADFORD, Va. – Freshman outside hitter Peyton Ferree stole the show, but even her career-best performance couldn't prevent the Radford volleyball team from dropping a 3-1 match to Campbell on Thursday night.
 
The Highlanders (6-11, 2-3 Big South) were as competitive as ever, playing more close sets that just seemed like they could go either way against the Camels (9-8, 5-0 Big South). The first set was lopsided, but after that it was truly anyone's match.
 
A fiery speech in the huddle had Radford ready to play heading into the second set and the hosts showed it by earning a late lead. A 23-19 Highlanders advantage seemed insurmountable, but Campbell showed why they're undefeated in league play and stormed back to win, 25-23.
 
The third set featured an even bigger Radford lead as the hosts flew out in front for a 17-8 difference. The Camels battled back to force multiple Highlander timeouts and a lot of chewing nails, but Radford prevailed 25-23 to stay alive.
 
Although the fourth set represented a new chance for Radford, the stout Campbell attack reared its head and finished things off with a match-high 12 kills.
 
Coming into the night, Ferree had only played in four career sets and had a career high of one kill. That all changed after a slow start to the match.
 
Head Coach Sherisa Livingston made the decision to put the rookie into the match and she delivered in spades, recording nine kills on 25 attack attempts across three sets. The Cedar Park, Texas native was only bested by Sophie Paspal, who notched 12 kills on 32 attempts.
 
Campbell's Lailah Green led all players with 13 kills thanks to a solid .290 hitting percentage. At the end of the day, blocks were the biggest decider as the Camels racked up 34.0 total blocks to Radford's 14.0.
 
KEY STATS

• Paspal returned to game action after missing the previous four games due to a leg injury
• Fiona Baker and Jackeline Nerro split setter duties to the tune of 17 and 15 assists, respectively
• Shelby Hernandez led all players on either team with 25 digs
• Radford's second set effort at the net stood out as they got up for 6 blocks

UP NEXT
The High Point Panthers make their way to the Dedmon Center for a Friday evening Big South showdown. The match is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
 
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