CONWAY, Ark. - Central Arkansas volleyball took its bumps and bruises as they lost 3-0 to a stout Memphis squad.

The Sugar Bears got all they could handle as they battled the undefeated Tigers to finish the UCA Invitational. While the results were not what they wanted, they had some standout performers to celebrate. Junior Lexi Miller led the Sugar Bears with 13 kills and a dominant .385 hitting percentage. Miller also after the match was named on the All-Tournament Team for the UCA Invitational. On the defensive side this match freshman, Shelbi Owens had herself a successful outing with eight digs. 

Set 1:
It was a close one all the way through as both offenses were held in check by strong defensive presences. Through the first timeout, the Sugar Bears held their counterparts to hitting only .100, while UCA took a .062 hitting percentage on their front. Heading into the first timeout, the score read 14-12 in favor of Memphis; however, that would not last long as the Tigers eventually took over. Before the break, there were six tied scores and four lead changes, and that be the most seen. Memphis increased their hitting percentage to .278 and kept the Sugar Bears barely above the .100 mark. Eventually, the Tigers would take the set 25-18.

Set 2:
UCA got on a roll early in the first and played a back and forth game with Memphis to begin the set. The Sugar Bears were even more encouraged after freshman Allison Holloway laid down an explosive solo block to tie the game at 8-8. However, that momentum only lasted so long as the streaky Tigers picked up the pace and added to their lead. Once it hit 23 for Memphis, the Sugar Bears started to threaten again as they got it all the way down to two points as the score read 23-21. The Tigers finished it three points later as the set went to Memphis 25-22. 

Set 3:
The Sugar Bears continued to try and battle but could not match the undefeated Tigers and their ferocious defense. Even so, it was a close match all the way up until the end. The third set once again had six tied scores to go along with three lead changes. However, it was a big run that finished it as the Tigers outscored the Sugar Bears 11 to four when the score was 14-14. Memphis would eventually take the set 25-18 and the match 3-0.

Next up, UCA takes a trip up north as they head to Vermillion, SD, to compete in the South Dakota Classic. 

Quote from head coach John Newberry:
"This tournament did not disappoint. Every team is extremely talented and brought their best. Congrats to Lexi Miller making the all tournament team. She had some big milestones in her collegiate career this weekend. I thought we had a lot of growth. We had a very young team playing for the majority of this weekend. I can't wait to see how this season will continue to progress as we get better and better." 

UCA Invitational All-Tournament Team:

MVP: Sabrina Bianco, Setter- Memphis

Miaya Smith - Memphis
Bailey Houlihan- Memphis
Maddy Bushnell- Missouri State
Azyah Green- Missouri State
Laure Jansen- Little Rock
Lexi Miller- UCA