Richmond, Ky. - The Central Arkansas Sugar Bears (15-11, 12-3 ASUN) claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (19-9, 10-5 ASUN) in a nail-biting match at the Olympic Sports Training Center. The Sugar Bears overcame a sluggish start to secure the win with set scores of 22-25, 25-23, 23-25, 25-17, and 15-12, maintaining their second-place position in the conference standings.

Game Highlights
The Sugar Bears were led offensively by Regan Harp, who posted a double-double with 16 kills and 10 digs. Laci Bohannan also contributed 16 kills, while Mackenzie Vernon hit a team-high .256 with 16 kills on 39 swings. Greyson Button added seven kills and seven blocks, providing key defensive support at the net. 

Setter Caylan Koons orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 45 assists while adding 14 digs and five blocks. Libero Alexis McDaniel anchored the back row with a match-high 36 digs.

Defensively, the Sugar Bears tallied 12 team blocks, with Allison Holloway and Button combining for 11 block assists. UCA also capitalized on EKU's errors, including seven service errors in critical moments.

Turning the Tide
After dropping the opening set, UCA rallied in the second and fourth sets with balanced attacking and improved efficiency, hitting .389 and .333, respectively. Harp and Koons controlled the tempo, while McDaniel's exceptional digging neutralized EKU's offensive threats.

The decisive fifth set saw UCA execute at critical moments. Button and Holloway delivered crucial blocks, and Vernon's consistent attacking sealed the deal as the Sugar Bears outlasted the Colonels, 15-12.

Key Statistics
- Central Arkansas: 58 kills, .170 hitting percentage, 54 assists, 12 team blocks, 91 d
What's Next

The Sugar Bears face Bellamine to close out the regular season, looking to build momentum ahead of the ASUN Conference Tournament. With another gritty win under their belt, UCA continues to prove its mettle as a top contender in the conference.