CONWAY, Ark. – Central Arkansas volleyball begins ASUN Conference play inside the Prince Center this week, hosting Lipscomb on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. before facing Austin Peay on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m.
 

2025 Stat Snapshot: Central Arkansas

• Record: 3-7 overall, 0-0 in ASUN (conference play begins this weekend)

Team Offense / Attack Efficiency:

• 414 total kills, 1,221 attempts; attack percentage of .187 
• Averaging about 11.2 kills per set

Defense / Reception / Blocking:

• 480 total digs
• Blocking numbers are modest (solo blocks ~23) but the team is battling through errors in attack and serve side as well as reception. 

Lipscomb Bisons (4–6, 0–0 ASUN)

Key Players:

• Courtney Jones: Leads the team with 179 kills and 24 service aces.

• Sophia Hudepohl: Guides the offense with 510 assists.

• Libby Steinhart: Anchors the defense with 156 digs.

• Meg Mersman: Controls the net with 58 total blocks.

Team Stats:

• Kills per set: 12.9

• Assists per set: 12.2

• Service aces per set: 1.8

• Digs per set: 11.6

• Opponent hitting percentage: .244

• Team hitting percentage: .228

Recent Performance:

• Lipscomb enters the match on a four-match winning streak to open ASUN play.

Series History:

• UCA has a 2–8 all-time record against Lipscomb, including a 0–3 record at home.

• The last meeting was on Oct. 12, 2024, where Lipscomb defeated UCA 3–0

Austin Peay Governors (2–10, 0–0 ASUN)

Key Players:

• Sarah Carnathan: Leads the team with 218 kills.

• Payton Deidesheimer: Adds 200 kills to the offense.

• Kayleigh Ryan: Distributes 379 assists and serves 30 aces.

• Maggie Duyos: Contributes 353 assists and 22 aces.

• Tayler Baron: Leads the defense with 435 digs.

• Anna Rita: Paces the blocking effort with 90 total blocks.

Team Stats:

• Kills per set: 10.3

• Assists per set: 9.6

• Service aces per set: 2.0

• Digs per set: 12.3

• Opponent hitting percentage: .223

• Team hitting percentage: .142

Recent Performance:

• Austin Peay enters the match after a 3–0 sweep over Tennessee State on Sept. 23.

Series History:

• UCA has a 2–0 all-time record against Austin Peay, including a 1–0 record at home.

• The last meeting was on Oct. 11, 2024, where UCA swept Austin Peay 3–0.

Keys to the Match

• Offensive Efficiency: UCA will need to improve its attacking efficiency to match Lipscomb's .228 hitting percentage and to exploit Austin Peay's .142 hitting percentage.

• Serve and Pass: With both teams averaging over 2.0 service aces per set, strong serving and serve receive will be crucial.

• Defensive Stability: UCA's defense, led by Alexis McDaniel's 373 digs, will aim to contain the offensive threats from both Lipscomb and Austin Peay.

• Home Court Advantage: UCA's perfect home record this season provides a psychological edge as they face both conference rivals.

With a pair of important conference matches ahead, the Sugar Bears will look to protect their home court and set the tone for ASUN play. Fans are encouraged to Pack the Prince Center this weekend as the Sugar Bears begin conference play. 
Sept. 26th - Lipscomb at 6:00 p.m.
Sept. 28th - Austin Peay at 1:00 p.m.