TAMPA — With a shorthanded roster, Polk State Volleyball fell in straight sets to Hillsborough Community College in its Citrus Conference opener on Wednesday night, 3-0.

The Eagles fell 25-16, 25-12, 25-20. Polk State (5-6, 0-1) battled throughout the night. 

The closest set was the third. Trailing 22-17, Polk State made things interesting with a kill from Dublin Fitzgerald and an ace from Rezzan Guner to cut the deficit to 23-20. The Hawks scored the final two points.

Polk State will open conference play with five straight road matches. After falling to Hillsborough Community in Tampa, the Eagles will head south to take on No. 2 Miami Dade College on Saturday.

This post will be updated.