CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team once again fell in a tightly contested match in ASUN play, this time it was to the North Florida Ospreys. The loss drops UCA to 6-16 overall and 0-10 in the ASUN. The loss was also the ninth in a row for the Sugar Bears.
The Sugar Bears started out strong in the opening frame, opening up an 8-2 lead. However, two different runs of four straight points allowed the Ospreys to get some momentum and they would tie it at twelve. Soon after, a run of five straight and another 4-1 run gave the Ospreys a 21-18 lead, which put the Sugar Bears in a difficult spot, although they were hanging in there. Down the stretch, UCA ran off three straight to get within one point at 24-23, but the Ospreys capitalized and took the opening set, 25-23.
The Sugar Bears did not get off to the start they had in mind, trailing 7-3 early, but like they've done recently, they hung around. UCA fended off any runs that UNF attempted, and eventually struck with four straight to tie the match at 17 all. Then, with UNF grabbing a 22-21 lead, the Sugar Bears secured four of five points, capped by an ace by Caylan Koons, to take the second set, 25-23.
The third set was very competitive early, with neither team able to take control of the set. UCA finally got the first run, scoring three straight to tie it at 12, but UNF promptly answered with a 3-0 run of its own. UCA got to within 15-14, but UNF answered with five of the next six points and had UCA reeling with a 20-15 lead, almost out of nowhere. Later, the Ospreys finished off the Sugar Bears with a 3-0 run to close things out and take a 2-1 set lead with a 25-19 set three win.
UCA was able to put up one of its biggest scoring runs of the afternoon in the fourth set, and it was greatly needed, as a 5-0 run tied it at 10 all. After UCA took a 13-12 lead, the Ospreys used a 5-1 run and a 4-1 run to take a 21-16 lead, putting UCA in a tough situation. Out of a timeout, UNF rattled off three straight, making it 24-17, then fended off a last ditch effort by the Sugar Bears to win the match with a 25-20 fourth set win.
Laci Bohannan once again impressed today with 17 kills and 16 digs. Both April Conant and Lilly Taylor put up 10 kills, tying a season-high for Conant. Caylan Koons continues to be a consistent factor for UCA, putting up 46 assists and 14 digs.
The Sugar Bears will be back in action in the midweek against North Alabama on Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. and then will face Stetson on Sunday, October 29th at 12:00 p.m.
