ATLANTA – Despite seven kills from senior Jamiee Freeman, the GSU volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Ball State Friday at the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational in Indianapolis.

Freeman had a strong performance overall with nine digs and two service aces to go with seven kills in the loss. Freshman Dede Bohannon also earned seven kills and added two blocks to her tally while fellow rookie Natalia Nieto dished out 15 assists in the contest. Junior Emily Averbeck showed her usual consistency with 23 digs in the match.

"We played well and our defense was good," said head coach Tami Audia. "Ball State really had to earn the kills they got which is positive as we grow as a team. Our passing gave us some fits, but we worked hard to get it going through the match. We are looking forward to another good showing tomorrow."

Freshman Eliza Zavhary led GSU with three blocks on the day.

Ball State (2-2) jumped out to a 1-0 lead by winning the first set 25-13. Freeman posted five kills in the first set to lead the Panthers while Nieto earned five assists in the set. The Cardinals spread the scoring around in the first frame with three players posting three or more kills.

In the second set, the Panthers cut the Ball State lead to 21-17 with three straight points. Zachary started the scoring rally with an ace that was followed by a kill by Bohannon. An error by the Cardinals gave GSU its third straight point and forced a BSU timeout.

A kill by Andrea Book and another BSU error cut the Cardinal lead to 22-19 but BSU managed to rally to hold off GSU and take the second set 25-21.

Ball State used a late rally to edge GSU 25-18 in the third set.

The Panthers (1-3) conclude play in the IUPUI Invitational tomorrow. GSU faces IUPUI at 12:30 p.m. and wraps up the tournament against future Sun Belt foe North Texas at 4:30 p.m.