KNOXVILLE, TN – Kiannisha Santiago had a team-high seven kills and 10 digs, but the Rider University volleyball team fell at nationally-ranked No. 24 Tennessee, 3-0, Thursday night. With the loss, the Broncs fall to 2-7, while the Lady Vols improve to 8-1.

The Broncs hung with the Lady Vols early in the first, trailing just 7-5, before Tennessee used a pair of 5-0 runs to create separation and took the set, 25-13.

After Rider won the first two points of the second set, Tennessee took control with 14 of the next 18 to take a 14-6 lead. But the Broncs reeled off 10 of the next 14 points to pull back to within 18-16 and force a Lady Vols timeout. But Tennessee seized control out of the timeout and closed out the set, 25-18.

Tied at 3-3 early in the third, Tennessee again was too much, pulling away with 10 of the next 11 points, before closing out the match with a 25-11 third set victory.

Notes
- Rider and Tennessee met for the first time in volleyball.
- With 15 assists, Makenna Mason had double-digit assists for the eighth time in nine matches this season and the 54^th match in her collegiate career.  

Broncs By The Numbers
- Tennessee outhit Rider .231 to -.012.
- The Lady Vols had 32 kills to the Broncs' 22.
- Tennessee finished with 10 blocks to the Broncs' three.
- Santiago led the Broncs with seven kills and 10 digs.
- Keegan O'Connor also had 10 digs.
- Mason added 15 assists.
- Rylah Robinson and Molly Rohde contributed two blocks apiece.  

Up Next
The Broncs return to action Friday, when they face Alabama A&M at 3 p.m.