Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas Sugar Bear volleyball team defeated Southland Conference foe McNeese State in four sets Thursday night, moving to 18-1 on the season.

The Sugar Bears (18-1, 6-1 SLC) fell in the first set 25-20, before coming back to take the next three sets by scores of 25-18, 25-10, and 25-20. After hitting -.030 in the first set, Central Arkansas posted percentages of .361, .500, and .447, finishing the match with a percentage of .304. Alicia Dittrich led the Sugar Bears in kills, collecting 14 with a .346 hitting percentage to go along with five digs, two blocks, and an assist. Jessica Hays added 12 kills, five digs, two blocks, and five aces. Hays’ five aces came during a remarkable five serve streak in the second set. Heather Schnars had nine kills and Nicole Okeke chipped in seven. Marissa Collins tallied 48 assists while Schnars led the team with 12 digs.

McNeese State (6-13, 1-5 SLC) hit .160 for the match, led by setter Kelly Graham who hit .375 with four kills. Rachel Cagnina and Megan Carlton led the Cowgirls with ten kills apiece, while Graham led with 27 assists.

The Sugar Bears return to action Saturday afternoon, hosting Lamar at 2:00 pm. They step out of conference play on Monday, traveling to Springfield, Missouri to battle Missouri State, before hosting Southland foe Oral Roberts next Saturday.