Air Force Academy

Despite four players with double-digit kills, the Air Force volleyball team dropped a tough 3-2 decision to Southeast Missouri State in the opening match of the Falcon Invitational on Friday, Sept. 2, at Clune Arena.

The Falcons took the first game 30-20, before the Redhawks claimed the second game with a 30-22 score. Air Force once again claimed a win, taking the third by a 30-25 score. SEMO took the fourth set 30-27 and held off the Falcons in the fifth for the 15-13 score.

Despite the loss, the Falcons showed their resolve. Down 14-8, Air Force held the Redhawks at match-point, while rolling off five straight points before succumbing 15-13 in the final round.

Sophomore Elizabeth Arrington (Bend, Ore.) had a stellar morning with a match-leading 23 kills. Her career-high outing was four higher than her entire freshman campaign. In addition, Arrington committed just three errors on 45 attempts for a match-best .444 hitting percentage.

Arrington was one of four Falcons to register double-digit kill totals. Senior Kristin Hamlett (Escondido, Calif.) put down 19, while freshman Kristina Stewart (Glendale, Ariz.) added 14 and sophomore Brooke Akers (Desert Hot Springs, Calif.) tallied 11.

Senior Carly Siefken (Beaverton, Ore.) also recorded a career-high, collecting 61 assists. Siefken added 10 digs for her first double-double of the season. Hamlett recorded three solo blocks, while assisting on three others and adding a match-best 20 digs. As a team, the Falcons totaled 83 digs -- just five shy of their Division I record.

The Falcons return to action this evening, when they face Butler University at 7 p.m., in the final match of pool play at the Falcon Invitational. Butler University features freshman Andrea Gallegos, the sister of Air Force senior Rebecca Gallegos.