MEMPHIS, Tenn. (9/17/21) – Three players posted double-digit kills on Saturday morning at the Larry O. Finch Center, helping Arkansas State volleyball to a 3-1 victory over in-state foe Arkansas-Pine Bluff to cap off an undefeated weekend at the Tiger Brawl.
A-State (9-3) remained composed after dropping the third set to the Lady Lions (1-12) to take the fourth set handily and seal the victory to improve to 26-0 all-time in the series against UAPB. The Red Wolves were stout defensively, holding the Lady Lions to an attack percentage of just .091 while out-digging UAPB 80-68.
Tatum Ticknor earned Tournament MVP honors, while Josie Stanford and Kendahl Davenport joined her on the all-tournament squad.
In Saturday's victory over UAPB, Elizabeth Phillips led A-State offensively with a career-high 11 kills to accompany a trio of aces, 8 digs and a pair of blocks. Brianna Hollingshed posted a strong day in the middle, notching 10 kills on 18 error-free attacks for an attack percentage of .556. The Pickerington, Ohio, native also knocked down a team-best 5 blocks. Macey Putt once again tallied double-digit kills, with 10 to go along with 9 digs.
Lauren Musante piloted the Red Wolves' attack, handing out 25 assists with a season-high 26 digs, while Kassidy Reeves also posted a double-double with 15 assists and 11 digs. Ticknor registered a double-double as well, with 11 assists and 15 digs.
A-State led throughout the opening set, although UAPB tightened it up late with a 4-0 run to save four set points. A kill by Phillips ended the threat, however, handing her team a 1-0 lead in the match.
In the second, A-State surged to an early 10-2 lead before the Lady Lions cut it to a 16-15 deficit midway through the set. The Red Wolves held off another late run by UAPB to take the second set 25-20 and lead 2-0 in the match.
UAPB did not go down easily, extending the match with a 27-25 decision in the third frame to try to escape with the comeback victory. A resurgent A-State squad that led wire-to-wire in the fourth set thwarted that effort, however, ousting the Lady Lions 25-16 to take the victory.
NEXT UP
A-State now turns its attention to Sun Belt Conference play and remains on the road to open league action. The Red Wolves travel east to the Carolinas to face Appalachian State (Friday, 5:30 p.m. CT) in Boone, N.C., before traveling to Conway, S.C., for a match with conference power Coastal Carolina (Sun., 11 a.m. CT).
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow the team on Twitter (@AStateVB) and Instagram (astatevb) along with liking the Arkansas State University Volleyball page on Facebook for the latest news and updates regarding the team.
