STATESBORO, Ga. — Coastal Carolina dropped a hard-fought 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-23) decision to Georgia Southern on Saturday afternoon at Hanner Fieldhouse.

With the loss, the Chanticleers fell to 16-8 overall and 8-4 in Sun Belt play, while the Eagles improved to 18-5 and 9-3.

Coastal was led offensively by Anna Rita and Emma Van Elslande, who each tallied eight kills. Rita hit a team-best .375 with two blocks for 10.0 points, while Van Elslande added 14 digs and a block assist for 9.5 points. Emily Fowler also scored 10.0 points with seven kills, two service aces and a pair of block assists. Anzley Rinard also contributed seven kills, three block assists, and four service aces to finish with 8.5 points.

Jalyn Stout turned in an all-around performance with eight kills, 15 assists, and a team-high 19 digs, while Ava Wallis dished out 13 assists and added five digs. Senior libero Bailee Earnhardt anchored the back row with 18 digs and two aces.

Coastal Carolina finished with 42 kills on a .121 hitting percentage and recorded six total team blocks. The Chanticleers out-dug Georgia Southern 62-55 but were edged in service aces (6-5) and total points (53-46).

Georgia Southern was led by Reagan Barth, who posted a match-high 13 kills and added 10 digs. Setter Kristen Barrett paced the Eagles with 27 assists, while Sam Brown notched seven kills, three blocks, and three aces.

The Chanticleers stayed close throughout each set, leading late in the third before the Eagles closed on a 4-1 run to seal the match.

Coastal Carolina continues road play next weekend as it visits Texas State.

For complete coverage of CCU volleyball, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalVBall (X/Instagram), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.