MACON, Ga. – The Citadel volleyball team fell in four sets at Mercer 24-26, 25-15, 25-23 and 25-23 on Tuesday night.

The Bulldogs (8-16, 1-7 SoCon) carried the momentum of their first Southern Conference win of the season into the first set, grabbing a tight 26-24 victory in extra points.

In the set, the Bulldogs had one of their largest comebacks this season after opening the match down 11-2. They chipped away at the Bears' lead, taking seven straight points and forcing a Mercer timeout. The Bulldogs took their first lead 16-15 on a Megan Sowell kill. Mercer answered with six of the next eight points, taking a 21-18 lead. Later, when trailing 24-22, the Bulldogs rallied for four straight points to win the set 26-24 in extra points, ending it on a Priscilla Irizarry ace.

In the second set, the Bulldogs played the Bears well through the first half, trailing 12-11. Mercer took the next three points, however, and the Bulldogs never recovered, falling 25-15 and evening the match 1-1.

The Bulldogs looked to reclaim the lead in the match in set three after jumping out to a 5-2 advantage. Later in the set, Mercer tied the score at 10 apiece. The teams traded points as the score remained locked up at 16-16. Late in the set, the Bulldogs held a 23-21 lead and looked poised to take a 2-1 advantage in the match, but Mercer claimed the final four points to win the set 25-23.

In the fourth set, Mercer looked to be well in control, leading by scores of 21-13 and 24-16. With match point on the line, the Bulldogs rallied to score seven straight points, within one of retying the set. The effort came up just short, as Mercer was able to claim the final point and win the match 3-1.

The Bulldogs offense had four players finish in double-digit kills, led by outside hitter Moriah Smith with 15. Middle hitter Dominique Williams had a season high 11 kills and a .667 hitting percentage. Sowell and outside hitter Carla Bruce each recorded 10 kills.

Despite finishing with more kills than Mercer, the Bulldogs had 23 attack errors compared to the Bears' 12. The Bulldogs were able to hit .211 for the match, but allowed Mercer to record a .303 hitting percentage.

On the defensive side, libero Samantha Espy had her second straight 20 dig performance with 21. Middle hitter Sarah Dobrich posted five block assists. Setter Priscilla Irizarry finished with 27 assists and four service aces, while Logan Smith added 25 assists.

The Bulldogs will continue their road trip over the weekend, visiting Chattanooga on Friday and ETSU on Saturday.

For more information on The Citadel volleyball follow @CitadelVB or visit CitadelSports.com.