CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas: The University of Central Arkansas volleyball program continues to play the upset card as they advance to the SLC Tournament Semi-finals. 

The Sugar Bears bested the No. 3 seed in the Southland Tournament as they bested Southeastern Louisiana for the second time in a week, 3-1. Leading the charge in this match was freshman Charlie Tidwell as she led UCA with 16 kills while also having two blocks. From the defensive side, senior Amari Mitchell and junior Ravin Rhodes held it together at the net. Mitchell posted five assisted blocks, while Rhodes had three solo blocks and three assisted blocks. 

Set 1:

The Sugar Bears got on their roll early as sophomore Alexis Stumbough, and junior Lexi Miller provided the offensive efficiency. Early on, Miller started a 10-6 run when she posted four kills, and Stumbough followed with a kill and block. That lead proved crucial as the Lady Lions slowly got back into the set. However, that wouldn't last long as Miller and Stumbough continued to put on the pressure in the late goings. It ended up going back and forth before the Sugar Bears ran away with it in the end with three straight points. UCA dominated from the offensive side for the second straight night as they posted a .341 hitting percentage in the first.

Set 2:

The second set was the Sugar Bears from the get-go, as costly errors hurt any chance for the Lady Lions. UCA got out to an early 12-4 lead as everyone continued to get in on the action. Tidwell and Mitchell were the main contributors in this one as they both posted effective hitting percentages. The Sugar Bears continued to add more until they reached a double-digit lead 21-9. SLU added a bit more but couldn't overcome the massive lead as the Sugar Bears won it 25-17. The high-powered offense also powered this set as UCA hit even better in the second with a .360 hitting percentage. 

Set 3:

The Sugar Bears continued their struggles of being unable to finish sweeps as they lost the fourth set 25-19. UCA has now won their last four matches in four sets after being up 2-0. SLU got up in the early goings of this set and ran with it the whole way as UCA was stuck playing catch up. The Sugar Bears were unable to get over that hump in the long run as they lost it 25-19. 

Set 4:

While the Lady Lions got out to an early lead, it didn't last long as the Sugar Bears caught back up on the 12th point. From that point, every moment was a battle as both teams fought tooth and nail to get ahead. UCA finally got a multiple-point lead towards the latter half of the set, when Tidwell had back-to-back kills to make it 21-18. The Lady Lions came roaring back with their own charge, but it wasn't enough as the Sugar Bears eventually clinched it 25-20

Up next, the Sugar Bears will battle Sam Houston at noon tomorrow in the SLC Tournament semi-finals. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:

"This was an incredible team win, our coaching staff put together an excellent plan. Really proud of Charlie Tidwell and the way that she attacked the ball. Alexis Stumbough, Amanda Beaton and Lexi Miller played a crucial role switching around today. I thought Emily Doss played her heart out today and wanted it more then the entire team together. We needed that today and I am so proud."