Box Score

FORT WORTH, Texas - In their first ever match against a ranked opponent, the University of Central Arkansas volleyball team lost to #21 LSU 25-20, 25-20, 25-15 in the first match of the TCU Molten Invitational. With the win, the Tigers improve to 4-0, while the Sugar Bears drop to 3-3.

UCA jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first set on the strength of three kills by freshman middle blocker Jessica Nagy and an ace by freshman setter Marissa Collins. LSU went on an 11-4 run to take control of the lead and eventually win the frame 25-20.

After starting the second set tied at 5-5, the Tigers pulled ahead and kept the Sugar Bears just out of striking distance, taking the game 25-20. Both teams excelled offensively in the third set, with UCA hitting .368 with eight kills and only one error, but the Tigers hit .556 and connected on 18 kills to seal the match.

"We competed well the first two sets and I am proud of the way the girls fought against a top 25 team," said UCA head coach Steven McRoberts. "We will hopefully learn from this sperience and get better. Jessica Nagy had a great match for us."

Nagy, a native of Carleton, Mich., set season bests with 11 kills and a .588 hitting percentage. She made just one error on 17 attempts to go with three block assists. Sophomore middle blocker Taylor Hammonds had five kills and hit .333 with three total blocks.

Angela Bensend led LSU with 14 kills. Sam Delahoussaye and Madie Jones added 11 kills each. Brittney Johnson led all players with 42 assists.

For the match, the Tigers outhit the Sugar Bears .370 to .179 and had a 50-26 kills advantage. UCA recorded seven blocks, while LSU had five.

The Sugar Bears will take on Alcorn State at 5 p.m. on Friday evening.