Statesboro, Ga.- The Georgia State volleyball team (5-9) got nine kills apiece from seniors Vineece Verdun and Muki Kangwa but fell in three tight sets (25-18, 27-25, 25-21) to Presbyterian (3-8) Friday at Hanner Fieldhouse on the second day of the Bash in the Boro in Statesboro.

After dropping the first set, GSU battled PC point-for-point in the second and earned a set-point, but could not convert in losing 27-25. The Panthers dropped another close one in the third frame after being tied, 20-20.

Kaylee McGrew had 27 assists in the loss while Jamiee Freeman added eight kills and eight digs. Loren Byerly chipped in seven kills for GSU, Andrea Ezell had two block assists and Emily Averbeck had a team-high 10 digs.

"We must have our players begin to execute in big situations," head coach Tami Audia said. "We're at a point in the season where playing hard is not enough to win."

In the opening frame, the Panthers spotted the Blue Hose a 12-5 lead in falling behind early. GSU rallied to cut the score to 19-17 but could not complete the comeback in dropping the first set, 25-18.

Georgia State and Presbyterian battled point-for-point in the second set and the Panthers earned a set-point, 25-24, on a slam from Verdun. Mirjam Pfyl's next service found the net, however, and the Panthers would drop the set after a PC rally, 27-25.

In the third set, GSU battled from behind most of the way before finally pulling even on another kill from Verdun to tie things, 20-20. The Panthers never climbed in front though as the Blue Hose forced their will down the stretch en route to a 25-21 set win and match victory.

"We aren't going to shock anyone this season," Audia added. "People are paying attention to us and we'll need to step it up in order to win matches."

GSU wraps up the Bash in the Boro on Saturday with an 11 a.m. match against Ohio, then plays in the Bash's final contest against host the Georgia Southern Eagles at 6 p.m. in Hanner Fieldhouse.