Eugene, Ore. – The Central Arkansas Sugar Bears opened the season in the 2014 Oregon Invitational, taking on the Illinois State Redbirds. The teams split the first set before the Redbirds took the final two sets to down the Sugar Bears 3-1.

After the Redbirds took set one 25-18, Central Arkansas rebounded to win the second set 25-22. Illinois State hit .406 to take the third set 25-16, before wrapping up the match by taking the fourth set 25-20.

Heather Schnars led the Central Arkansas offense with 14 kills, while hitting .182 and digging 10 balls. Evie Grace Singleton had 13 kills and six digs, while Fulani Petties had 10 kills and four digs. Amy South keyed the Central Arkansas attack, dishing out 40 assists, while Shelbee Berringer led the Sugar Bear defense with 25 digs.

Central Arkansas returns to the court for a pair of matches tomorrow. The Sugar Bears will take on host Oregon at 11:00 AM before battling Ohio State at 7:00 PM.