FOLEY, Ala.– Despite a Sun Belt Tournament record-tying 24 kills from senior Jillian Gray, Georgia Southern volleyball (21-6, 10-3 Sun Belt) saw its Sun Belt Tournament efforts come to a close in straight sets against regular-season champion Arkansas State (26-4, 14-2).

GS fell behind the eight ball early, trailing 9-5 through the first 14 points. They didn't make it any closer for the remainder of the set despite five kills from Gray, falling 25-17 and surrendering 20 kills to Arkansas State.

Gray extended her total to 11 kills as the Eagles led 14-13 in the second frame, but a 6-0 run by the Red Wolves quelled any momentum. The team did claw back and make it a 23-22 match after Gray's ace but ultimately fell 25-22.

The blue & white fought hard to keep it close early in the third set. Kayla Knowles' first kill made it 10-9 Red Wolves, who proceeded to go on a 4-0 run after. 

The teams traded long runs, and the Eagles took the lead back at 21-20 late on another ace by Gray. However, despite Gray extending her total to a career-best 24 kills, the Red Wolves ran away and won the final set 25-23.

Gray's 24 kills were a career-high, four off the three-set record for the Eagles and tying the Sun Belt Tournament record set by Tajana Andric of Little Rock in 1998. It's also the first time an Eagle has reached 24 kills since Cathrine Murray had 25 in a match in 2015.

Kirsten Barrett led the way with 35 assists, and Ashlyn Lovett had 19 digs to add to a weekend total of 39, averaging over six per set in the two contests.

The Eagles will await their postseason destination following Thanksgiving.