In one final test before tournament play this weekend, the Bears welcomed in Gulf Coast Wednesday for a conference match. And despite showing some positive play, it wasn't quite enough as Southwest fell 14-25, 17-25, 17-25.
 
"We gave them (Gulf Coast) too many opportunities to get into rhythm," Southwest head coach Chris Laird said. "The product we put out there tonight was unacceptable. We have to do some soul-searching as a team because this is not fair for our fans who come out and support us, it is not fair for our parents who drive and put in the effort to be there for us. We have to do a better job."
 
The Bears (3-14, 2-8 MACCC) got off to a good start as an ace from Hattie Tynes and a block and kill from Tierra Martin paced the hosts pulling them within one at 6-5. Afterward, however, the Bears lost the momentum as the Bulldogs began to pull away.
 
Two kills each from Martin and Reagan Robinson helped Southwest down the stretch but it wasn't enough as Gulf Coast took the first set.
 
A slow start by the hosts in the second set was quickly overshadowed by improved play. A kill and an ace from Robinson were bookends to a 7-1 run highlighted by a second ace from Robinson, back-to-back blocks from Haley Eckert and a kill from Gracie Amacker.
 
Even though Southwest continued to shine, taking a 13-12 lead, Gulf Coast went on a run to pull away and claim the second set.

Another good start to the third fueled by kills from Robinson, Saylor Hammond and Eckert and a block from Allie Heathcock pulled the Bears within one at 7-6.
 
The Bulldogs maintained their lead but the Bears hung around, getting a kill each from Tynes, Hammond and Abby Greenlee before Martin scored three points on a 4-2 run keeping Southwest within striking distance.
 
Despite the rejuvenation, the Bears had no answer for a late Bulldog rally which closed out the set and the match.
 
The Bears head to Gulf Shores, Alabama this weekend for four contests in tournament play. Southwest faces John Melvin on Friday at 9 a.m. and Snead State at 11 a.m. before closing play on Saturday with contests against Northeast Mississippi at 11 a.m. and Reid State at 1 p.m.