Box Score BOX SCORE

The Liberty Flames completed a sweep of the High Point University volleyball team Saturday in Lynchburg, Va. Freshman Kristin Heldt had a match-high 13 kills in the 3-0 (18-25, 22-25, 21-25) loss and Molly Barlow came up with 17 digs.

“Liberty always plays well at home and they did a great job today putting pressure on our defense,” said head coach Jason Oliver. “I thought we played with a little more urgency today which is good to see but it still comes down to the final four or five points that we don't know how to come up with.”

Heldt's 13 kills came with a .344 attack percentage and five digs. Michelle Chakirelis finished the day with nine kills and Chelsea Davis chipped in seven with 11 digs. Lauren Bell dished out 32 assists.

Attack errors hurt HPU in the first set, falling to the Flames 25-18. High Point hit .054 in the frame with 12 kills and 10 errors while Liberty minimized attack errors, putting down 14 kills with three errors.

The Flames pulled off a late comeback to win the second set 25-22. High Point led 20-17 but Liberty finished the frame on a 8-2 run. Melissa Racz had three kills down the stretch for the Flames. Heldt had six kills in the second set and Chakirelis added four.

HPU kept fighting in the final set but couldn't pull out the win, falling 25-21. HPU kept the Flames lead at three points with a kill by Heldt at 22-19 but Liberty pulled away will kills from middle hitters Loren Thomas and Erica Manor.

Racz led the Flames with 12 kills and a .500 attack percentage.

High Point is 6-20 (4-8 Big South) and Liberty is 16-11 (11-1 Big South).

The Panthers return home for three matches at the Millis Center to close out the regular season. On Tuesday North Carolina Central will come to High Point for a 7 p.m. non-conference match.