MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - The Vikings were in action on Friday night for what would be an electric matchup with in-state foe, No. 6 Emory University who they fell to 3-1.

Early on in the first set, the Vikings would strike first with a Keira Kruk kill and an Emory error, giving the Vikings a 2-0 lead. From there on out, #6 ranked Emory would take command of the first set, scoring nine straight points. Efforts from Cypress Guenther and Bella Boston at the net would help the Vikings pull within four points, still trailing 11-7. Following this, Emory would find its stride again, closing the set out, 25-10. 

The second set was a totally different story as the Vikings came out of the break with fire in their eyes. Berry's key contributors would come up big with great reads and powerful attacks. Lindsey MacDiarmid started things off for the Vikings with a beautiful skip set, catching the Eagles off guard. This sparked a revelation for the Vikings as they began to click on all cylinders, racing out to a 7-2 lead. A flurry of kills from Lura Underwood, Bella Boston, Lilly Teagle, and stellar defense from Andrea Hurt propelled the Vikings to a convincing 25-15 set two win. 

Set three would prove to be crucial in the outcome of the game as both teams were hungry to take control. The Vikings showed a great deal of resilience after falling behind 4-1 early in the third set. Three timely kills from Lura Underwood got the Vikings right back into the game, tying the set at 6. Joining Underwood's efforts was Lily Teagle who punctured the middle of the Eagle defense with two kills that gave Berry a 9-6 lead. The sea-saw affair would continue until Berry found some separation, 23-19 later in the set. Just when it looked like the Vikings were going to take a 2-1 advantage, Emory fought back with six unanswered points to win the set, 25-23. 

The fourth set was owned by the Eagles as the utilized the momentum from set three to wear down the Viking defense. Some unfortunate errors and strong Emory attacks would be the story of the fourth set as Emory would take the win, 3 sets to 1. 

The Vikings will be in action again tomorrow for Day Two of the Vikings Classic at 2 PM ET vs Covenant College.