CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team dropped a decision to the Michigan State Spartans in the 2023 home opener. The electric crowd was the 4th largest in the history of the Prince Center with an announced 485, the largest since 2015. UCA falls to 1-3 after a weekend full of some tough opponents.
The crowd was rowdy before the first serve, however the Spartans did not seem phased. Michigan State came out and started throwing haymakers and it took a while for UCA to respond. MSU got the lead up to 13-0 to start the game before the sugar Bears could get on the board. The Spartans wasted no time getting right back to taking shots after UCA got on the board, going on a 5-1 run to stretch the lead to 18-2. Ultimately, the Sugar Bears looked slightly gassed in the first set and MSU had a dominant opening frame, cruising to a score of 25-7.
For a while it looked like Michigan State would do much of the same in the second set, jumping out to a 12-3 lead. However, UCA went on a nice run to get within a point at 15-14 featuring two kills from senior April Conant and a kill by junior Lilly Taylor. UCA would keep things close at 18-17, but the Spartans went on a 6-0 tear to get set point, and then would take the set, 25-18.
The Sugar Bears started to play better ball in the third set, getting glimpses of potential from some of its younger players like freshman Gabby Tuiaana. Tuiaana had four kills in the set, including three in a row during a 4-0 run. That run put UCA down three at 18-15, but like each Sugar Bear run, the Spartans were ready to answer. MSU got several kills from its outside hitter Grace Kelly to power past UCA, winning the final set, 25-19.
Tuiaana led the way for UCA with seven kills, her career high in her first season in purple and gray. Jamiryana Hall was second on the team with five kills, her season high. Caylan Koons had 14 assists in the match to lead the team.
The Sugar Bears will stay home this weekend to host Jackson State, Southeastern Louisiana, and Little Rock for the Central Arkansas Invitational. Then the Sugar Bears will welcome Colorado State the following day in a standalone game.
UCA's next game will be Friday, September 1st at 10:00 a.m. against Jackson State to kick off the Central Arkansas Invitational. Fans can follow along with all the action on Twitter at @UCAVaball.
