EMU's volleyball women came up short in a non-conference match Tuesday in Harrisonburg, falling 3-0 the Knights.

Now 3-5 overall and 3-4 in ODAC play, Eastern Mennonite is back in action Sunday at 1:00pm at Virginia Wesleyan.

Things started well enough for the Royals as they worked out of an early 3-0 deficit to lock the score at 10-10. Their own 3-0 run gave the women the lead, and they were still up 20-19 after an ace serve from Hannah Johnson (Staunton, Va./Wilson Memorial). But the Knights surged with the next four points, retaking the lead and running to a 25-21 win.

The momentum carried into the second where Southern Virginia jumped to a big lead. EMU had a 9-1 run late, but it wasn't enough to stop a 25-13 decision.

The Royals regrouped for the third, working to a 10-7 lead. The teams stayed close until SVU rattled off a decisive 6-0 streak to clinch the match, 25-18.

The Knights controlled the net with six blocks as EMU hit a season-low .082. Johnson was the most efficient weapon with nine kills. Lizzy Kirkton (Goshen, Ind./Goshen) had four kills and a team best three aces.

Libero Abby Kaufman (Maplewood, Mo./Maplewood Richmond Heights) picked up 13 digs and two aces. Sarah East (Washington, Va./Rappahannock County) added 10 digs.

Kaely Rath led Southern Virginia with 14 kills and three blocks.