The UNA volleyball team split two five-set matches at home Sept. 21 and 23.

The Lions pulled out the five-match victory in their home opener Sept. 21 against Valdosta State but fell to West Florida Sept. 23 at Flowers Hall.

UNA (2-8) will host GSC foes Shorter (8-1) Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. and West Georgia (6-6) at 2 p.m. for homecoming Sept. 29.

“Valdosta got a little frustrated and came out very, very motivated,” said head coach Stephanie Radecki. “The girls came out and started to take bigger swings than we had seen in the first two sets.”

Sept. 21, UNA was able to respond in the fifth set with the help of the rowdy Lion fans.

“Honestly, that is one of the best crowds — as far as just enthusiasm, excitement and noise — we have had in a long time,” Radecki said.

In the Sept. 21 match, Priscilla Massengale and Hope Rayburn led the Lions with 20 kills, 51 assits and 30 digs combined.

In the Sept. 23 matchup, Cara Gregg led the Lions in the kill category with 21, and Rayburn in the assists column with 53.

The Lions hope to recover from their loss to West Florida as they play the GSC conference leader Shorter and the No. 17- ranked West Florida in a two-day span.