The fourth and final part of our 2019 position previews for the 2019 University of Central Arkansas volleyball team wraps up by breaking down our hitters!
 
COMING BACK
 
The Sugar Bears will look different on the attack in 2019 having lost its top four kills leaders to the graduation stage last May. The four graduates combined for 1,293 kills in 2018 and each recorded 200 or more kills.
 
The coaching staff will look to senior Abbie Harry and junior Amanda Beaton to lead the new-look hitting department. Harry will look to replicate her 2017 season when she finished with a season-high 250 kills in 27 matches. She saw limited time in 2018 with only 20 match appearances and 87 kills. Harry will see the court a lot in 2019 and should be primed for an impactful senior season.
 
Beaton will return to the court after missing the entirety of the 2018 season due to injury. The 6'1 outside hitter showed promise in 2017 when she played in 19 matches and recorded 91 kills. With a healthy offseason under her belt, Beaton should become an instant terror for opposing defenses this year.
 
Looking past the two seniors, the hitting team gets younger with a pair of sophomores. Madi Bowles will look to build off her freshman campaign that saw 12 match appearances and 32 kills. Her five-match appearances in conference play shows that the coaching staff trusts her abilities and 2019 will be a year of earning even more trust.
 
Sophomore Lexi Miller will look to break out in 2019. Her 5'11 frame will be used for both sides of the game as both a blocker and attacker. Expect Miller to show off her dynamic skillset in year two in Conway.
 
NEW TO THE CREW
 
Freshman Alexis Stumbough joins the hitting crew after a successful high school career. The Texas native graduated with an impressive resume including a District 20-6A Honorable Mention in 2016 and First-Team nod in 2017. After her game took off, Stumbough's name was added to the GHVCA/VYPE Houston Fab 50 list and Under Armour's All-America Watch List.
 
QUOTES FROM ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH JOHN NEWBERRY
 
ABBIE HARRY:
 
"Harry is poised to have a stand out season as a senior. She has improved greatly with passing and has always had a strong arm. The team will look to her to carry the most load for the outside hitter position."
 
AMANDA BEATON:
 
"Beaton played a huge role in the success of 2017 in some really big games. After redshirting last season, she is very hungry to earn a starting spot on the court."
 
LEXI MILLER:
 
"Miller is the most dynamic in this position. She has a very strong blocking presence. She will be a force to reckon with as her confidence continues to grow."
 
MADI BOWLES:
 
"Bowles is an extremely confident member of our team. Not only is her jumping ability very dynamic, but she also has a very wide range of hitting. She plays aggressively and is very hard to read. Her confidence will continue to grow through her in-game experience.
 
ALEXIS STUMBOUGH:
 
"Stumbough is a dependable six rotation player. She packs a big punch when she hits the ball and she has always gone against strong competition and knows how to win. The future is very bright for her."
 
UP NEXT
 
Fans can check out the 2019 UCA volleyball squad for the first time at the annual Purple vs. Gray scrimmage on Aug. 23 in the Prince Center. The Sugar Bears open the season Aug. 30 at the Georgetown Tournament in Washington, D.C.