STATESBORO – On Friday night, Marshall (9-7, 1-2 SBC) handed Georgia Southern (11-3, 2-1 SBC) its first Sun Belt loss of the season, outlasting the Eagles in a five-set battle – 3-2 (25-22, 25-20, 17-25, 21-25, 15-12).

The Eagles rallied from a two-set deficit to force a fifth frame, but the Thundering Herd capitalized on timely serving and blocking late to secure their first conference win.

Georgia Southern outpaced Marshall in kills (66-55), assists (58-45) and hitting percentage (.230-.190), but the Herd's eight service aces and 10 total blocks proved to be the difference.

Outside hitter Reagan Barth powered the Eagles' offense with 18 kills and 10 digs, while fellow outside hitter Sam Bowron added 17 kills. Middle blocker Lydia Seymour contributed 14 kills and five blocks, and setter Kirsten Barrett orchestrated the attack with 54 assists to go along with 21 digs.

Defensively, Mayte Camacho anchored the floor with a team-high 22 digs, while Barrett added 21 to complement her setting duties. At the net, Seymour posted five blocks to help slow the Herd's attack.

Marshall was led by Beatrice Ciccarelli, who posted 15 kills and six blocks. Emma Barnett tallied a double-double with 10 kills and 18 digs, while libero Emma Sayre anchored the defense with 24 digs. Setter Bella Thompson paced the offense with 36 assists.

After dropping the opening two sets, Georgia Southern found its rhythm in the third, hitting .314 while rolling to a 25-17 win. The Eagles carried momentum into the fourth set, where Seymour and Barth combined for eight kills in a 25-21 victory to force the decider.

In the fifth, Marshall jumped out early and never trailed. Georgia Southern trimmed the deficit to 13-12, but the consecutive kills from Ciccarelli sealed the win for the Herd.

The Eagles will look to bounce back as they continue Sun Belt play Saturday afternoon, hosting Marshall again at Hanner Fieldhouse. First serve is set for 1 p.m.