CONWAY, Ark. - The University of Central Arkansas volleyball program could not pose a comeback in the final sets as they dropped the match to Missouri State 3-1.

On Day 2 of the UCA Invitational, the Sugar Bears tried to pull out all the stops but fell short in a close matchup. Highlighting the match was senior Lexi Miller, who led the team in kills with 18. Not to be overshadowed, junior Alexis Stumbough posted her second straight double-double with 15 kills and 16 digs.

Set 1:
The Sugar Bears could not find the momentum early as they faulted under errors, while Missouri State thrived. It was a tough challenge for UCA as the Bears posted a nearly unstoppable mark as they hit .727 through the first 14 points. UCA tried to battle back from that big hole but couldn't muster the difference as MSU won the first set 25-18.

Set 2:
The Bears continued their hot streak to begin the second as they quickly came out to a 4-0 lead. Once again, it was all about digging themselves out of a hole, but this time they were able to match the offensive style of MSU. The Sugar Bears eventually rallied and clawed their way back up to the top as they tied it up at 19 apiece. However, that was not enough for the Sugar Bears as a block from freshman Mackenzie Vernon and sophomore April Conant was massive for the rally in the late stages. That block put them behind just one 24-23 before they eventually surpassed the streaking Bears. UCA stood tall with extra points in play and claimed the final couple of points in the 28-26 set victory.

Set 3:
In the third set, UCA failed to recoup that same momentum they had in the second, as they fell behind early once again. This time they could not find their momentum again as they failed to muster anything against the Bears. Missouri State-controlled, it from the beginning with a .519 hitting percentage, did not allow anything to happen for the Sugar Bears. Once it was all said and done, MSU claimed the set 25-15.

Set 4:
The fourth set sang a second tune in terms of the storyline as UCA forced the Bears into an early timeout after gaining a 5-1 lead. However, it did not hold well against MSU, as they played the opposite role in climbing back. They did so in the middle of the set as they went on a run after UCA led 11-10. From that point on, the Sugar Bears were only playing a copy game with MSU already winning, which eventually led to a 26-24 set win and an overall match win 3-1 for MSU.


UCA finishes out the UCA Invite tomorrow with Memphis in the Prince Center at 3 p.m.  

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"Congrats to Missouri State on a well played game; they were balanced and poised throughout the game," Newberry said. "I was proud of the way we responded in some tough moments. However, I wish we could take back some points and come ba with some more resiliency in some tough moments."