TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman dropped a 3-0 (25-12,25-21,25-20) Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Division match to arch-rival Florida A&M Friday in the Lawson Center.

The Rattlers (6-8 overall, 5-0 MEAC) hit .456 as they remained on top of the division while snapping a three-match Lady Cat (3-20,3-2 MEAC) run in league play.

"We broke down in serve receive and defense," said B-CU coach Isaac Raphael. "You can't beat anybody if you're not playing good defense."

Krysta Gardner had 10 kills and seven digs for B-CU, who had an early 6-2 lead in the third set.

Janeen Davis added nine kills, while freshman Delica Pierre finished with seven kills and two blocks. Monica Lowe distributed 21 assists.

B-CU returns to action Tuesday in a non-conference match at North Florida.