RICHMOND, Ky. - Central Arkansas volleyball fell in a five-set heartbreaker against Eastern Kentucky as they were eliminated from post-season competition.

The Colonels took home the final berth for the ASUN Championship as the Sugar Bears could not find their rhythm in the final set. While UCA ended up dropping the match, it was another coming-out party for a few of newcomers. Freshman Mackenzie Vernon hosted 17 kills, Shelbi Owens led the squad with 18 digs, and Allison Holloway posted ten blocks. 

Set 1:
UCA set the tone in the first set as they took advantage of a weak start for EKU in the first set victory.  The Sugar Bears posted a .290 hitting percentage compared to the Colonels .091 percentage. That mark showcased itself as UCA battled strongly throughout to win it 25-20. 

Set 2:
The second set was much closer as the Colonels took advantage of a decrease in UCA's offensive presence to win the set. That happened as they went on a 5-0 run after the game when the score was 17-17. With a five-point advantage, they ran it out and eventually won in extra points 26-24. 

Set 3:
EKU continued their roll as they took their opportunities in the next set as well. The Colonels held the Sugar Bears to their lowest hitting percentage of the night as they posted a .140 percentage for the set. That came in effect late as EKU battled a back and forth affair before eventually winning it 25-22. 

Set 4:
UCA counteracted those two previous sets by posting their best offense showcase of the day. With a .441 hitting percentage, the Sugar Bears could not miss, leading to the fifth set. This happened especially as UCA expanded a late lead and outscored the Colonels 8-4 to finish the set 25-20. 

Set 5:
The final set was back and forth all the way up until the score read 7-7. However, EKU went up on a massive run to claim the overall match and finish the heartbreaker with a 15-9 final.  

Next, Sugar Bears come back home to face the last two opponents on the schedule with Jacksonville State on Friday and North Alabama Sunday. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"We gave it all we had. I thought our young team did very well and fought hard. Experience in crunch time is something we need to get better at. I thought Mackenzie Vernon and Amari Mitchell both played outstanding today. Mac had some very good smart shots thrown in with some very aggressive shots that kept us in the game. Amari Mitchell behind the setter was unstoppable. We look forward to celebrating our seniors for the remainder of our season."