The Georgia Northwestern Lady Bobcats thrilled the crowd at the Rossville Athletic Center Thursday night with some incredible defensive efforts to keep rallies going.
However, they just couldn't find enough offense to keep up.
After a exciting and close opening set, fatigue took its toll as visiting Jusdon (Ala.) College eventually went on to a 25-20, 25-11 and 25-16 victory in the second match of the year between the two USCAA members.
"We got tired," first-year head coach Amber Weaver explained. "The girls have worked really hard the past three practices. It's probably the hardest practices we've had since the season and that's the reason we were so tired. It's my fault and I told them that."
Georgia Northwestern (0-8) rallied in the first set to take a 9-7 lead, but lost eight of the next 10 points to fall behind, 15-11. They fought back with some long rallies to cut the gap to 19-16, but got no closer as Judson closed out the set.
The weary legs began to set in shortly thereafter.
"We should have worked a lot harder a lot sooner (in the season)," Weaver continued. "We know that know, but if we can build on what we did tonight, we can turn the corner. If we can just flip that switch, I think we'll start to see a difference as far as wins and losses."
Jamese Miller had a team-high six kills to go with four blocks on the night. Tori Hall picked up three kills, while Kayleigh Goff had five blocks and a kill against Judson's bigger front line.
Other contributors for the Lady Bobcats included Morgen Simmons (3 aces, 1 kill), Mia Clark (2 blocks), Jesse Owens (2 kills, 1 block) and Shanna Burk (3 assists).
Georgia Northwestern will look to right the ship when they host the Bryan College JV team on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. at the R.A.C.