SPRINGFIELD, Mo.- The UCA volleyball squad returned to action with a different approach as they fell in Springfield 3-1.

The Sugar Bears offered up a chance for some of the younger players to get some action as senior's Amanda Beaton, Emily Doss, Bailey Waddington, Amari Mitchell and junior Ravin Rhodes did not suit up for the Bears today. Instead, it was a completely different UCA team that took the court and tried to tussle with another youthful squad in Missouri State. 

Most of the regular starters took a seat as the Sugar Bears introduced a different lineup that offered its potential. Junior Lexi Miller had an expanded role in this match as she was all over the court with 17 kills. Sophomore Anna Williams saw her first in-game action and showcased her ability to help the team by leading them with 39 assists. Freshman Lexie Gregory got her chance to play a little more and gave the team 20 digs in return. 

Set 1:
Right from the get go, the MSU bears were not messing around as they got off to an early lead that proved the difference in the set. Throughout the set, the lead kept growing until the score was 20-11 in favor of MSU. The Sugar Bears, however, were able to mount a small comeback as they were able to force MSU to take a timeout in the final goings after their own 6-1 stretch to make it 22-20, but it proved unfruitful as MSU shut the door soon after. 

Set 2:
Just like the first, the second set played out with a late rally that fell just short. MSU came in with the momentum they needed to gift themselves an early lead once again on the Sugar Bears. In this case, the lead was not as strong as before, as MSU only held a 10-7 advantage. The teams battled back and forth, but the MSU Bears held it together with a late run to make it 22-15, and soon after finishing the set.

Set 3:
The third set was all Sugar Bears as they dominated and rattled their opponent throughout the course of the set. UCA started to run away with the lead the moment the score hit 7-6; from that point on, the only thing MSU saw was Sugar Bear dominance. UCA recorded a 12-1 streak following that point, as MSU struggled to start hitting their marks and avoiding errors. With a late 19-7 lead, there was no coming back from the deficit as the Sugar Bears took the third set with an astonishing .625 hitting percentage. 

Set 4:
Right from the start of things, MSU took advantage and did not allow UCA any ground. The Bears played a near-perfect set with only one error, as the Sugar Bears produced seven on the other side. MSU put their foot down and won the match after claiming the final set 25-9.

Up Next:
The Sugar Bears get their first chance to play at home this season as they will face off against Stephen F. Austin for the second time this season. The LadyJacks will head to Conway at 4 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Farris Center.