WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

> After dropping the first two frames, Georgia State took the match to five sets before falling to Chattanooga 3-2.

> Ryan Spicer-Gordon and Meisheia Griffin notched personal records in the effort.  

> The Panthers will face Mercer to open action at the GSU Sports Arena on Friday, Sept. 18.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.-- Georgia State volleyball was outlasted (25-23, 25-18, 20-25, 22-25, 24-22) by Chattanooga in the first match of the 2020 season. 

Two Georgia natives had record setting performances for the Panthers. Senior Meisheia Griffin notched a career high 21 kills. The 2019 Second Team All-Sun Belt selection found her previous career high of 16 kills against Chattanooga during her freshman season in 2017. In her first time at the libero position, sophomore Ryan Spicer-Gordon found a career high 23 digs. 

Georgia State dropped the first two sets of action due to Chattanooga's aggressive offense, which forced the Panthers out of system. Subsequently, GSU's setters could not capitalize on all of Georgia State's offensive weapons. 

Despite finding themselves in a five point hole early in the third, a kill by Cierra Sillmon ended the scoring drought and sparked the Georgia State offense. The Panthers found a rhythm, as setter Jordan Shoemaker connected with various GSU hitters to spread the Mocs defense and to take the frame. 

Griffin could not be stopped to open play in the fourth frame, earning four of GSU's first seven points.  The back row's impressive passing, spearheaded by Spicer-Gordon, allowed the Panthers to stay in-system and find kills. Contributing to Georgia State's impressive .333 hitting percentage in the set, Wilcox brought down two kills in the back corner to force the tiebreaker.

The squads would go point for point in a heated finale. Four newcomers made their debut in a GSU uniform and were crucial down the long stretch. After surviving multiple match points, Chattanooga was able to close the match after capitalizing on a kill down the middle of Georgia State territory. 

"I just love how hard the team competed. They made it possible for me to find kills from the great passes and sets," said Griffin. "I want to continue to perform like I did. I want to continue to rise as a player in every game."

The Panthers will return to Atlanta for the home opener set for Friday, Sept. 18 at 6:00 p.m. against in-state opponent Mercer.