UCA defeats McNeese in volleyball

The University of Central Arkansas volleyball team rebounded from its first Southland Conference loss to defeat McNeese State 16-25, 28-26, 25-19, 25-19 Saturday at the Prince Center.

One day after fall to four-time defending champion Stephen F. Austin, the Sugar Bears (10-4, 2-1) outhit the Cowgirls (3-9) .263 to .247 and had a 63-55 kills advantage.

McNeese came out on fire in the first set, connecting on 17 kills and hitting .469. UCA responded with a close, hard-fought 28-26 win in set two. The Sugar Bears ended the match by hitting .380 in the fourth set, with 23 points coming on kills, one on a block and the final point on a service ace.

Sophomore middle blocker Chloe Smith recorded the first double-double of her career, connecting on a season-high 23 kills to go with 10 digs. She also had four block assists.

UCA got a big lift from its bench. Junior Evaree Franklin had a season-best 13 kills and senior Natalie Lundquist recorded five kills, five digs and five block assists in just three set. Junior setter Robyn Smith registered a season-high 53 assists to go with seven digs, three kills and two blocks. Senior Kelly Bence led the defense with 13 digs and freshman Cristin Curl added 11 digs.

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UCA will travel to Thibodaux, La. to take on SLC-foe Nicholls State on Friday night.