(RALEIGH, N.C.)- Still in search of their first home victory, Shaw gave North Greenville all they could handle and more Friday night.

Shaw (3-8, 3-7 CIAA) lost in four games, 20-25, 12-25, 27-25, and 17-25, to a deep and veteran team. The North Greenville Lady Crusaders (7-7), a Division II Independent, flexed their muscle throughout the match, but Shaw continually responded and made impact plays at crucial times.

Sharetta Riggins helped lead the Lady Bears, making kills at critical times. Riggins had 15 kills on the night and four service aces.  Jade Bibb also provided spark to the Shaw game with eight kills and 13 digs.

Thanks to great serving by senior Ashley Johnson (below), the Lady Bears pulled within two points, 18-16 in the first game, but the Lady Bears could not keep up the pace as North Greenville rallied to claim the game.

Shaw came out flat in the second game, and North Greenville cruised to a 25-12 victory.

"We just couldn't get the offense into a rhythm," said Johnson who  led the Lady Bears with 26 assists on the night.

In the third game, Shaw came out with a vengeance and controlled the entire game. There were big blocks and timely service points by the entire Lady Bears team at opportune moments that threw the Lady Crusader team off balance.

The crowd fed off of Shaw's urgency and attitude to make Spaulding Gymnasium deafening at times. Johnson said of the third game, "We were ready to win. We just flat out wanted it."

Shaw came out strong in the fourth game, led by Riggins and CIAA Rookie of the Week Jeneva Carner and continued to play fundamental volleyball. The Lady Bears built an 11-10 lead, but couldn't hold onto the lead – or the match as they fell 25-17 in the fourth game to the Lady Crusaders.

After the game, Shaw Head Coach Douglas Hunter gathered his team in a circle and challenged the team to continue improving.

"Coach was telling us to stick to the fundamentals and get to our base. We just need to stick to the play and we can make things happen," said Johnson.

The Lady Bears will have a chance to put the advice into action when they travel to Salisbury, N.C., to take on the Livingstone Lady Blue Bears on Tuesday, Sept. 28. Shaw's next home game is October 1 as they take on division leader Fayetteville State at 6 p.m.

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Photos:  Jade Bibb plays at the net and Sharetta Riggins attacks during Shaw's match against North Greenville.