FLORENCE, Ala. - Central Arkansas volleyball fell to late rallies as they lost their road match to North Alabama. 

The Sugar Bears could not fight off the late-stage attacks against the Lions in the first leg of the Alabama ASUN road trip. Leading the charge in this heated matchup was senior Lexi Miller, who posted 11 kills. Freshman Jamiryana Hall also got in on the action as she helped propel the Sugar Bears in the third and fourth as she posted ten kills in those two sets. From the blocking side of things, freshman Mackenzie Vernon and Macy Blackburn led; Vernon had seven, and Blackburn had six. 

Set 1:
The story of UCA's season so far has been their success at the front of the net. That story played on in a familiar troupe as the Sugar Bears claimed blocks in bunches. However, the issue is that the Lions matched that in the second half. At the media timeout, UCA outblocked UNA 4-1, but by its end, the total was 4-4. That was crucial to the end of the set as the Lions used that to rally late. They trailed 20-18 but battled back as they won the first set 25-23. 

Set 2:
The Sugar Bears had a similar problem to the last set as they allowed the Lions back in late. UCA led big late as they had UNA on the ropes at 18-13. However, that big lead was not enough as the Lions made it 21-20 in their favor late in the set. That continued, but it was a competitive finish as Vernon and Amari Mitchell stopped the initial set point with a stellar block. The Lions followed that with two straight points, though, as they won the second set 27-25.

Set 3:
The third set was different as the rally from the Lions happened early. The Sugar Bears came into the set hot and went out to a quick 7-0 lead. That massive lead was built through the serving ability of Macy Blackburn, who had three aces in those seven points. However, similar to the other leads, it was short-lived as the Lions tied it up at 12-12. From that point on, it was a close one as both squads battled back and forth. While both teams showcased success in those rallies, it was the Sugar Bears that stood strong. With a block from Blackburn and Vernon, UCA headed to the fourth set after the 25-22 victory. 

Set 4:
The fourth set was the closest both teams came to all set constant back and forth. Both teams showcased success in moments, but the big rally in the late stages allowed the Lions to clinch it. UNA eventually won the set 25-19 and the overall match 3-1. 

Next, the Sugar Bears head to Jacksonville, Ala., as they take on Jacksonville State tomorrow at 4 p.m. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"This is the kind of game we cannot get back. We left too many decisions in the refs hands. I thought we had one of our best passing games. I'm really proud of Jamiryana Hall. She came in and played extremely well. She did exactly what was asked of her. We will take a close look at some areas of improvement had bounce back for tomorrow."