LUBBOCK, Texas – The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team dropped two matches this afternoon on the first day of the Texas Tech Invitational at the United Spirit Arena. The Sugar Bears fell to UNLV 25-17, 25-13 and 25-16 and to Texas Tech 25-13, 25-18 and 25-19.

UNLV (1-3) gave the Bears fits all day at the net, recording 22 block assists. Madeline Westman and Stephanie Thelen each had five a piece while Candice Thomas and Makenzie Moea’I had four of their own. It all led to a .065 hitting percentage for the 2010 Southland Conference regular season champs.

Senior outside hitter Jessica Hays led the way with 11 kills while Lindsey Barron added eight. Marissa Collins managed 25 assists and seven digs while Cristin Curl posted a team-best 10 digs in the losing effort.

The road only got tougher for UCA (1-4) in the day’s second match as they played the host Texas Tech. The Red Raiders set the tone early, hitting a red-hot .647 in the first set to go on to a 25-12 win. Texas Tech went on to the sweep with victories of 25-18 and 25-19 in the following sets.

Much like in the first game, Texas Tech (3-1) was able to control the game at the net. The Red Raiders recorded 12 total team blocks including 20 block assists and two solo blocks. Amanda Dowdy led the way for Texas Tech as she tallied 12 kills and 11 digs for a double-double. Miara Cave struck an impressive .615 on the afternoon and had nine kills.

Hays managed double-digit kills for the second time in as many matches, recording 10.  Jessica Nagy added five kills and two block assists and Taylor Hammonds posted four kills. Curl led all players with 15 digs in the match.

The Bears will try to crack the win column at the Texas Tech Invitational tomorrow as they will square off against defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Morehead State at 10 a.m.