CONWAY, Ark. – The University of Central Arkansas beach volleyball team enjoyed its first home tournament in two years. The Beach Bears ended up splitting on Friday afternoon, bringing their record to 8-21 on the year.
UCA 0 – Missouri State 5
The Bears from Springfield raced past UCA in the Bears' first match of the day. Audrey Cathcart and Madelyn White had the best chance to get UCA on the board. The pair overcame dropping the first set, 21-15, taking a tight second set 21-18. Missouri State's No. 5 team emerged victorious in a decisive fifth set, 15-12. Missouri State earned its first win over UCA in the all-time series, avenging the 2022 loss in Conway.
UCA 3 – Austin Peay 2
UCA settled in a lot better in its second match of the afternoon, winning an exciting match over Austin Peay, a team that UCA had already beaten this season. Ella Weilert and Liliana Irizary continued to play well together, taking down the APSU No. 4 in three sets, overcoming a first set loss, winning the third set in dominating fashion, 15-6. White and Cathcart kept the momentum going, winning in a solid showing over the No. 5 team for the Govs. With the score tied at two apiece, it all came down to Payton Sproule and Anna Collums, and the pair stepped up to the occasion. After taking the first set, the pair of seniors squeaked out at 21-19 victory to end the day on a good note. UCA is now 2-0 against Austin Peay this season and have the chance to go 3-0 on Saturday.
The Bears open action on Saturday, April 13th against Missouri State at 10:00 a.m. Then ahead of the match with Austin Peay at 12:30 p.m., the Bears will honor their seniors.
