BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Bluefield University men's volleyball team dropped a straight-set decision to nationally-ranked St. Thomas Friday afternoon, falling 25-14, 25-13, 25-20.

With the loss, the Rams move to 10-12 overall and 6-8 in Appalachian Athletic Conference play.

Bluefield finished with 17 kills and a .078 hitting percentage against a strong St. Thomas squad that entered the match unbeaten in conference play. The Bobcats hit an efficient .508 as a team, controlling the tempo throughout the contest.

Mason Lloyd led the Rams offensively with seven kills and two service aces, while Mamadou Dieng added four kills on a .600 hitting percentage. Richard Cisneros also contributed three kills on a .500 clip, and Jamareous Ryan chipped in two kills.

Setter Benedict Somes recorded 14 assists and added a service ace, while the Rams totaled five aces as a team.

Defensively, BU collected 15 digs, with Lloyd leading the way with four. Ima Catalon and Jonathon Rudder each added two digs as the Rams worked to slow a high-powered St. Thomas attack.

Bluefield turned in its best offensive set in the third while scoring 20 points.

The Rams will close out the regular season Tuesday when they travel to Warren Wilson for a 6 p.m. first serve.