Corpus Christi, Texas –

The Central Arkansas volleyball experienced its first taste of defeat on Thursday night, falling to Texas A&M Corpus Christ in five sets, by scores of 25-27, 18-25, 25-19, 25-15, and 13-15. The match opened conference play for both teams.

During the loss, the Sugar Bears (11-1, 0-1 SLC), hit only .179 on the night, led by Alicia Dittrich, who hit .500 on her way to nine kills, along with seven blocks. Jessica Hays led the Sugar Bears in kills, totaling 27 on the night, to go with two service aces, 16 digs, and two blocks. Jessica Nagy and Scout Brooks, who came into the match averaging 5.9 kills per set for the season, combined for only eight kills on the night. Marissa Collins helped key the offense, tallying 52 assists on the night.

The Islanders (8-4, 1-0 SLC) managed to collect the victory despite hitting only .149 for the match. Shannon Hullum led the team in kills, with 12, while Ivy Baresh and Briana Brink each contributed nine kills each. Brooke Alverson threw in nine blocks, while Logan Borque added 32 assists.

The Sugar Bears look to return to their winning ways on Saturday, squaring off with Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas.