They came close in the second and third sets, but the Pike Liberal Arts School Lady Patriots could not pull out a victory over the undefeated No. 1-ranked Morgan Academy Lady Senators Monday night in Troy.

The Lady Patriots dropped into an early 1-0 hole and could not grab a set, losing 3-0 (13-25, 21-25, 23-25).

In the third set, Pike took a 23-22 lead late in the set, but Morgan showcased why they are undefeated by winning the next three points for the win.

The Lady Patriots (5-5, 3-3 AISA Class AA, Region 1) came out strong in the third and final set. There were five lead changes in the final set and the two squads were tied nine times in the set.

Pike senior Allison Linton and junior Katie Wiggins led the charge in the final frame with two kills and one ace apiece in the set.

The late surge in the third set was set up with a 9-2 run late in the second set. After digging a 23-12 hole, Pike junior Josie Griffin took serve and scored seven straight points on her serve to narrow the Morgan lead to 23-19 before a mishit gave the Lady Senators set point.

Morgan could not take advantage and the Lady Patriots had another shot at 24-21, but they could not hold off Morgan, losing the set 25-21.

The Lady Patriots came out flat in the first set and could not recover, losing 25-13.

Pike suffered two road defeats last week before coming home to face Morgan Monday.

Pike lost to the Hooper Lady Colts, 3-0 (25-27, 26-28, 10-25) last Thursday.

They also lost to Crenshaw Christian Academy 3-2 (25-20, 25-16, 24-26, 18-25, 11-15) on Tuesday of last week.

The Lady Patriots play host to the Meadowview Christian Lady Trojans in a region match today. First serve for the JV match is 3:30 p.m.