After a lackluster beginning, Kentucky State University head volleyball coach DiShondra Goree pleaded with her team to play with more energy. They responded to force a five sets, but ultimately fell to the University of the Cumberlands, 25-10, 22-25, 25-11, 18-25, 16-14, Tuesday in non-conference action at the Exum Center

In the deciding set, neither team held a lead larger than two points in the see-saw affair. The Thorobreds were on the brink of victory, serving for the match, but Cumberlands staved off match point and scored the final three points to secure the victory.

Sophomore setter Gabriella Gracia (Trullio Alto, Puerto Rico) dished out a career-high 46 assists to lead the Thorobreds. The 46 assists nearly doubled her previous career-best of 24 assists.

Sophomore outside hitter Robin Poole (Katy, TX) continued her steady play with a team-high 16 kills and eight digs. It's the ninth time this season Poole recorded double-digit kills. Senior middle blocker Arlandria Greathouse (Crowley, TX) and senior right side Robin Moore (Bloomfield, MI) added 11 kills apiece.

Freshman libero Alliyah Williams (Sugar Land, TX), for the 15th time this season, finished with double-figure digs. She recorded 18 in the defensive category. Sophomore outside hitter Makayla Martin (Combine, TX) finished with a season-high 17 digs for the Thorobreds.

Sophomore middle blocker Jalynn Roberts (Davenport, IA) and sophomore libero Aisha Cruz combined for five of the team's eight aces.

Kentucky State (7-16 overall, 3-2 SIAC) travels to Albany, GA for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Crossover. The Thorobreds plays Paine College (2-2 overall) 9 a.m. Thursday, Benedict (3-4 overall) 1 p.m. Thursday and Fort Valley State (2-4 overall) 5 p.m. Thursday.