FOLEY, Ala.– Third-seeded Georgia Southern volleyball (21-8, 10-6 Sun Belt) fell at the hands of second-seeded South Alabama (22-7, 11-4) in straight sets on Friday.

"While it didn't end how we wanted, this is such a special group and I'm super proud of everyone," head coach Chad Willis said. "All year when we asked them to respond, they responded. I think it just speaks volumes of how connected this group is, our culture, where it's at and what this group has put into this program. This year was just a great indication of the direction we're going in."

The Jaguars led for the early portion of the first set, but an Eagles comeback capped by a pair of USA attack errors put the Eagles in front at 22-21. A timeout allowed the Jags to regain momentum, going on a 4-1 advantage to win 25-23.

The second frame was all Jaguars. A late 10-1 run up 16-8 was enough to push the higher-seeded team over the edge, earning a big 25-11 win.

GS fought hard in what became the last set, but it was not enough. The Eagles held a 14-11 lead until an onslaught by South Alabama pushed them over the top to sweep the Eagles, just the second time all season that the Eagles lost in straight sets and the first since Sept. 8 against UTSA.

Jillian Gray had ten kills to lead the way, recording 27 in the tournament. Gray also had four blocks to lead the squad. Kirsten Barrett had 16 assists and seven digs, while Chamblee Russell also recorded eight kills.

The 21-8 Eagles will await selection show results next Sunday for the NIVC, looking to earn a bid into the tournament.