University of Central Arkansas Athletics

CONWAY, Ark. - Central Arkansas volleyball utilized extended rallies as they dominated in their sweep of Bellarmine.

The Sugar Bears dominated at the net for the second straight match, but this time it was not in vain as they bested the Knights. Leading the charge was sophomore Macy Blackburn, who had a career-high nine blocks. Graduate student Amari Mitchell and freshman Mackenzie Vernon also got in on the action as they both had six to their name.  Two more players that were main contributors to the squad were junior Alexis Stumbough and sophomore Anna Myers. Myers provided the assists as she claimed 31, and Stumbough provided the kills with 14. Both players had a big day from the defensive side as they both produced a double-double, with over ten digs. 

Set 1:
The first set had a little bit of everything in it, from massive rallies to an extended review, all the way to a late comeback. This was the motivation that the Sugar Bears needed, and they got it as they took command at the latest point possible. In fact, besides an early set lead, their first advantage came when the Knights called a timeout when the score was 19-18. 

Set 2:
That hint of momentum continued to push the Sugar Bears as they were rolling well into the second set. With the help of Bellarmine's mistakes, UCA took a cushioned five-point lead for the majority of the set. The Sugar Bears even extended it past that point as they held an eight-point lead at the second timeout. However, that lead dwindled slightly as the Knights proposed a scare late, but UCA was able to contain it as they survived the set 25-22. 

Set 3:
UCA entered into the third set with a lot riding on the line as they looked to snap a three-match skid. Their hopes of making it quick and easy were not honored, but a sweep was on the horizon for the Sugar Bears. In a streaky third set, UCA claimed the first half with a comfortable five-point lead at 15-10. The second half of it seemed more even as the Sugar Bears were outscored 12 to 7, and the score ended up knotted at 22-22. However, a late surge appeared to be the match trend as UCA used kills from Blackburn and senior Lexi Miller to finish them off 25-23. 

Next, the Sugar Bears will hoop back on the bus for another ASUN road trip as they take on North Alabama and Jacksonville State. UCA will take on UNA at 7 p.m. Friday in Florence, Ala., and then battle JSU at 4 p.m. Saturday in Jacksonville, Ala. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"Really excited about another home win here in the Prince Center. I thought we were fighting consistently throughout the entire match and didn't let Bellarmine get on point runs. I am really proud of Stumbough with her double-double, and Myers came in clutch with her double-double as well. We have been asking Lexie Gregory to step up, and she did in a big day, by getting way more digs then she has in previous games. Once, our block was very dominating at the net and helped sustain us for the match. I'm just really proud of this Sugar Bear win."