The Washington Demons earned runner-up honors at this year’s Southeast Conference Volleyball Tournament by splitting a pair of best-of-three matches last night on their home floor.

The evening started strong for the Demons, bouncing back from an early 7-3 deficit in the first set versus Burlington to go on a 15-2 run, seizing a lead they would never relinquish en route to winning the set 25-19. The second frame was even better, buoyed by a 7-2 lead to open the set and a 9-3 closing run that gave Washington a 25-15 victory and won the match.

With a winner-take-all match for the tournament title against Fairfield next, the Demons again came out with a strong start, taking a 6-2 lead in the first set. After Fairfield went on a 6-1 run to take an 11-10 lead, Washington scored seven of the next 10 points to go back in front.

But the Trojans summoned an 11-1 run to close out the first set and win 25-18, and they never looked back. A 7-2 run broke up a tie game in the second set, and Fairfield would lead the final frame by as much as eight on their way to winning 25-19.

Despite the loss to end things yesterday, Washington has won nine of its last 11 matches and improves their overall record to 16-17, easily the most wins for the program in a decade-and-a-half. The Demons will finish the regular season tomorrow evening when they host Columbus for senior night.