ATLANTA--Georgia State's hopes of making a return trip to the CAA Championships were given a big hit today, as the Panthers fell 3-0 (30-20, 31-29, 30-16) to James Madison in volleyball action at the Sports Arena.

James Madison led throughout game one en route to the 30-20 win.  Game two was a different story, as the Panthers battled tooth-and-nail with the #2 team in the Colonial Athletic Association.  The game featured eight ties and seven lead changes, and saw the Panthers with a chance to take the second frame up 29-27.  But from there, JMU went on a 4-0 run to win the game and give the Panthers a deflating blow.

The third game was tied five times early, but the Panthers never grabbed the lead.  With State down 9-8, the Panthers saw the Dukes close the match out with a 21-8 run.

Reshirt junior Ana Paula Ferreira had a team-high 11 kills for State, while sophomore Michelle Trimble had eight and Amy Lusk had seven (as well as a team-high 14 digs).  Freshman Noelle Boyd had 33 assists, as State managed 38 kills to JMU's 59.

Bayli Stillwell had a double-double with 13 kills and 10 digs, while Allyson Halls had a match-high 19 kills. 

Now 4-9 in CAA play, Georgia State is faced with the probability of needing to run the table to keep their hopes alive of making the CAA Championships.  That effort will begin Saturday when they host UNC Wilmington.  Match time is set for 2:00 p.m. at the Sports Arena.

Notes: Today's match was the last before the new video board is installed in the Sports Arena.  Construction on the video board is expected to be completed by Friday.