The Austin volleyball team dropped a five game match at United South Central by scores of 30-32, 22-25, 28-26, 25-22, 15-12.

Despite winning the first two games, Austin (3-14 overall) couldn’t close it out against USC (13-10 overall). Austin took a 5-2 early in the fifth game behind the strong hitting of Bri Mayer, who had 18 kills and three blocks, but after she had to sit out for a rotation, USC seized a 13-9 lead.

“I don’t like to usually put it one player, but sometimes when a certain player leaves the court, you lose momentum,” Austin head coach Darica Schneider said. “I think that was the case tonight.”

Austin played the match without setters Jenna Svoboda and Emily Majerus, who were out with illnesses. Kayla Rodgers tallied 38 assists as Austin’s lone setter.

“Kayla came in and did a great job for us,” Schneider said.

Ashley Follmuth had 40 serve receives and 14 digs for Austin, Jenny Soiney had four ace serves, Emily Weiss had 12 kills and four ace serves, Julia Wagner was 23-for-23 on serves with three aces and Robin Arjes had three blocks.

Austin will play at Albert Lea next Thursday in its regular season finale.