Conway, Ark. –

The Central Arkansas volleyball team returned home in style Thursday night, defeating the visiting Arkansas-Pine Bluff Lady Lions in a 25-7, 25-13, 25-12 straight set victory.

After opening the season with seven straight road matches, Thursday night marked the first time this season that the Sugar Bears (7-0) took the court at the Prince Center, where they compiled an 8-3 record last season. Central Arkansas hit .516 for the match, led by Jessica Nagy who hit .833 on her way to five kills. Scout Brooks collected 10 kills to lead the Sugar Bears. Amy South helped key the Central Arkansas attack, gathering 17 assists for the match, as well as serving up four aces. The Sugar Bear defense was led by Heather Schnars and Nicole Okeke who each contributed two blocks, and Shelbee Beringer who had 10 digs.

The Lady Lions (1-2) were led by Audrey Sherles who hit .083 on her way to four kills, and Alexis Lowe who had seven assists.

The match was the opener of the 2012 Sugar Bear classic which continues Friday and Saturday.  Jackson State and Jacksonville State play the opening match on Friday, taking the court at 10:00 am. They are followed by Arkansas-Pine Bluff and South Dakota at noon, Jackson State and Central Arkansas at 2:00 pm, Jacksonville State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 4:00 pm, and South Dakota and Central Arkansas at 6:30 pm. Saturday’s slate is kicked off by Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Jackson State at 9:30 am, followed by Jacksonville State and South Dakota at 11:30 am, South Dakota and Jackson State at 2:30 pm, and Jacksonville State and Central Arkansas at 4:30 pm.