UTPB came out on top in a 68-point, 35-33 second set win Thursday night to even the contest at 1-1, but host Arkansas-Fort Smith closed out the match with wins in the third and fourth sets to down the Falcons 18-25, 35-33, 20-25, 19-25 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The Falcons fought to stay alive towards the end of the second, winning the point while facing the first set point of the set to tie it at 25-25. They then were able to force four consecutive set points but were unable to close out the set as the teams alternated eight straigh points. 

The tables turned as the Falcons faced three set points without conceeding two points in a row, and UTPB eventually pulled out at 35-33 win in an extended second set on a kill by Terra Peil to even the match at one set each.

The Lions held onto their home court advantage in the third and fourth sets, building a lead late in the third to claim a 2-1 advantage and taking the fourth after starting out the set hot to take the match with a 25-19 set win.

Peil and Keeley Brogdon shared the team lead with 15 kills each on the night, Peil hitting a team-best .308 on the evening. Ariana Gallardo led the Falcons with 25 assists, and Taylor Harmon led all players on the night with 34 digs.

UTPB is back in action Saturday afternoon, traveling to Dallas for a noon match against Dallas Baptist in the final road contest of the season.