Fulton faced a pair of at least 15-win teams the previous two days and lost both matches.
The Lady Hornets gave three-time reigning district champion Kirksville even more of a fight than the first meeting Thursday in Fulton as the Lady Hornets were able to force a fifth set (25-21, 15-25, 25-21, 15-25, 10-15). Fulton was then swept Tuesday by Hallsville (16-25, 11-25, 2-25).
Going into Monday, Kirksville (16-7-2, 6-1 NCMC) hadn't played a fifth set this season and had only played three deciding sets, with the most recent one happening Sept. 11 in a three-set loss to Owensville.
Fulton jumped ahead by taking the first set and took a 2-1 set lead after winning the third one. Kirksville found its footing more in the more decisive fourth set before outlasting the Lady Hornets in the fifth.
The Lady Hornets had a harder time against Hallsville (18-4-2), who came in as winner of seven of its last nine. Fulton was only able to win 29 total points, including two in the final set.
Fulton (7-14, 4-3 NCMC) will go back home for a 6:30 p.m. Thursday match against Hannibal (14-8-4, 5-0 NCMC). The Lady Pirates won the first meeting Sept. 28 in Hannibal in three sets (10-25, 10-25, 14-25).