CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas is set to host North Alabama for some midweek action in the second meeting between the two programs. The Sugar Bears currently sit at 6-16 overall, with a 0-10 ASUN mark, and have dropped nine straight contests.
The Sugar Bears dropped two competitive four-set matches to Jacksonville and North Florida over the weekend. Especially in the match against the Ospreys, the Sugar Bears were not able to capitalize on close situations down the stretch. Caylan Koons continued to consistently be a force for UCA, putting up 89 assists between the two matches last weekend, bringing her yearly total to an ASUN-leading 820 assists. Mackenzie Vernon went off against Jacksonville, tallying 19 kills against the Dolphins last Friday, while Laci Bohannan continues her comeback campaign with 17 kills against North Florida.
The North Alabama Lions come into Conway sitting seventh in the ASUN with a 13-9 overall record with an even 5-5 ASUN record. Since the win over UCA in Florence, the Lions have picked up wins over Austin Peay, Queens, North Florida, and Jacksonville. At one point, the Lions lost four straight in conference, but they have won three straight to get back to .500 in conference. Anna Katherine Griggs continues to be one of the best players in the ASUN and is absolutely one of the players to watch on Wednesday night. The graduate senior spends time at both middle blocker and right side, and is sixth in the ASUN with 283.5 points, including 238 kills and 79 total blocks on the season, which is fourth best in the ASUN. UNA's libero Luana Bulara is third in the ASUN with 4.52 digs per set, with 321 total digs on the year. Another player to watch for the Lions is senior setter Kennedy Johnson, who leads UNA in assists with 492 and is fifth in the conference in aces with 32.
The Lions won the prior matchup this season behind Griggs's 12 kills, so the Sugar Bears will look to get even at home on Wednesday evening. UNA now leads the all-time series 7-5, but UCA has won three of five since joining the ASUN in 2021.
UCA takes on North Alabama on Wednesday, October 25th at 6:00 p.m. The Match will be streamed on ESPN+, and fans can follow along on Twitter/X at @UCAVball.
