MAGNOLIA, Ark. – SWOSU Volleyball couldn't find a way to escape Magnolia with a win, falling to Southern Arkansas in five sets to conclude the final trip across state lines this regular season.

The Bulldogs led 12-10 in the fifth and final set, but SAU surged late with five of the last six points to seal the deal. It's the first loss to the Muleriders since 2014.

SWOSU (14-7, 8-3 GAC) hosts East Central next Thursday in the only match of the week. Five matches remain on the '23-24 schedule.

After a dominant first set that saw the Dawgs win 25-13, things weren't so smooth in the middle sets. SWOSU had eight errors apiece in the second and third and fell behind 2-1 in the match.

SWOSU cruised again in the fourth set to force the fifth. In two Bulldog set victories, they averaged above a .300 hitting mark.

Things looked to be headed towards success in the final frame until the Muleriders mounted their comeback. SWOSU got to the midway point leading 8-5, then led 9-5 after switching sides, and again at 12-10 before getting dealt the final blow.

Lacy Mott (17) and Hailey Smith (12) combined for 29 kills to lead the offense. Mott turned in a team high 23 digs on defense. Smith and Zoey Sparks combined for 15 assisted blocks.  

SWOSU had nine service aces but 11 errors at the service line, both representing the third highest numbers of the season. Keke Holloway (4) and Jada Permenter (3) had seven of those aces.