TOPEKA, Kan. -- The start of the day was much better than the end for the SBU Bearcat volleyball at the Washburn Lady Blues Fall Classic. After topping Southwestern Oklahoman State 3-0 early in the day, the Bearcats took the first two sets against Southeastern Oklahoma State before the Savage Storm rallied to win the final three sets and the match.

In the tournament's first match Friday morning, SBU (8-11) controlled the match with the Southwestern Oklahoma Bulldogs (4-18) winning 25-16, 25-16 and 25-19. Alex Smith and Kelsey Stewart led with nine kills each. Katie Hyneman had 12 digs and Brianna Wallace had 21 assists.

SBU took the exciting first two sets against SOSU 28-26 and 26-24. The Savage Storm took the third 25-21 and dominated the fourth at 25-10. The Storm (15-7) won the final set 16-14. Jurgensmeyer led with 19 kills and a .441 attack percentage. Smith also had 14 kills and a .312 attack percentage. Wallace had 47 assists while Hyneman led with 15 digs against the Storm.

On Saturday, SBU continues tournament play with two matches against Lone Star Conference opponents Angelo State and Tarleton State. SBU and ASU will meet at 11 a.m. and SBU and Tarleton will battle at 5 p.m.