JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Central Arkansas volleyball dropped the ASUN Crossover finale against Stetson.

The Sugar Bears dropped their final match against the Hatters as they fell in three sets. In this tough matchup, UCA had some key competitors that impacted the match overall. Freshman Lily Taylor led the squad with six kills as she posted a .417 hitting percentage. Graduate student Amari Mitchell also had a big day as she had five kills and four blocks. Junior Alexis Stumbough and sophomore Lexie Gregory shared the lead for 11 digs from the defensive side. 

Set 1:
The Sugar Bears fell behind early on in the set as Stetson cruised to a 12-6 lead. That lead continued to extend throughout as the Hatters bested the Sugar Bears in the hitting percentage department. When the score finished at 25-13, Stetson outhit UCA.303 to .059. 

Set 2:
The second set saw the takeover of Mitchell as she had four kills and three blocks. That factor helped propel the Sugar Bears in a heated set that would go all the way till the end. With the Hatters up late, UCA rallied with three straight points to knot the score up at 23-23. However, the Hatters had the last call as they came out of the timeout with two straight points to win the set 25-23 and go up in the match 2-0.

Set 3:
The final set was as close as the second as it was a back and forth affair until the very end. Stetson had its largest lead at 16-11, but the Sugar Bears quickly countered them. After two big kills from Taylor, UCA even got the score within one late as it was 17-16. Unfortunately, the Hatters used their momentum throughout the whole set as they won it 25-20. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"It was a very disappointing loss. We did not come out with the same enthusiasm and expectation from the last match."

"Amari Mitchell had a great game. She had some great blocks and slowed many attacks down by getting her hands on them. I thought she had a solid attacking game. Lily Taylor came in late and led our team in kills along with playing in all six rotations. Lastly, Jamiryana Hall came in and added life to the team in the 3rd set."

"I expect the team to bounce back from this and raise the bar."