ANDERSON, S.C. –  The University of West Alabama volleyball team earned a split on the final day of the Anderson University Invitational after ousting Mars Hill College, 3-0, to close out the season-opening weekend.

The Tigers (3-1) stretched defending Peach Belt Champion and NCAA Elite Eight participant, Armstrong Atlantic State to five sets before falling to the Pirates in the fifth and deciding set, 18-16.  The Red and White claimed the opening and third set, 25-21 and 25-22, while AASU took the second set 25-18 and forced the fifth set after topping the Tigers 25-8 in the fourth set.   UWA rebounded from the season’s first setback with a sweep of MHC, 25-19, 25-17, 25-17.

In the AASU match, a pair of Tigers turned in double-doubles.  Senior Ana Gabriela Pedrosa posted 24 digs to go along with her12 kills.  Junior Thais Hollerbach recorded her first double-double as a Tiger with her 17 dig, 10 kill performance.  Jordan Kent led UWA in kills with 13.  The Decatur, Ala.-native added three block solos in the contest.  Sophomore setter Alexis McHale dished out 41 assists against AASU and 38 in the MHC tilt.

Pedrosa continued her steady play in the afternoon match with her third double-double of the weekend with a team-best 12 kills and recording 10 digs.  Hollerbach and Kent were credited with eight kills each.  Hollerbach carded a team-high 14 digs in the sweep.

UWA returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 1, traveling to Tuscaloosa, Ala. to face Stillman College.  First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.