Written by: Antoine Lynch, Athletics Media Specialist 

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Shaw University women's volleyball team found themselves in familiar territory Thursday evening on the road in a hostile environment, heading into a fifth a deciding set. The Lady Bears would again fall just short in the final frame falling to Barton 3-2 (25-23, 17-25, 25-21, 26-28, 13-15) at James B. Hunt High School.

Shaw falls to 0-7 on the year. Barton improves to 3-3 on the early season.

Senior Jailynn Butler (Parker, AZ) led the Lady Bears offensively with 19 kills, 15 digs, and one service ace. Fellow seniors Karla Sosa (Brownsville, TV) and Tyler Hunter (Atlanta, GA) followed with 14 and 13 kills respectfully. Newcomer and graduate senior Emma Celenntano (Raleigh, NC) finished the match with 20 digs.

The Lady Bears took the first set 25-23 after being tied at 23-23. Shaw closed the set with back to back kills from Butler and senior Amari Fletcher (Phoenix, AZ) Barton responded taking the second set 25-17 closing the set on an impressive 5-0 run.  Both teams would split the next two sets with Shaw taking the third set 25-21 and Barton responding to take a competitive 28-26 win in set four.

The fifth and deciding set would see Shaw fall behind early to the Bulldogs 7-5 and before pushing ahead 12-11.  Barton then pulled ahead for good 13-12 before taking the set 15-13 to close the match for the win.

The Lady Bears will return to the court looking to break into the win column when they open CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) play on the road at Livingstone College.  First serve is slated for 5 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on Shaw athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit www.shawbears.com.