ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The UAM volleyball team snapped a 11-game losing streak tonight with a 3-1 win over Henderson State in Arkadelphia.
The first set was a close one from front to back with ten separate ties, the latest coming at 17 all. From there Allison Beardsley scored two quick points to put UAM in the lead for good, 19-17. The Blossoms pushed their lead out to 24-19 and survived a late surge from the Lady Reddies after they pulled back to within two, 24-22. Bailie Jedlicka got the set-winning point off an assist from Amy Bazemore to put UAM up 1-0 in the match.
The second set began much the same way with the score jumping back and forth, but this time the Blossoms stalled at 17, as Henderson tied the match 25-17. The critical third set was another nail biter, decided by just two points. There were eight ties, the latest coming at 10-10. A service error by the Lady Reddies and three straight points from Jedlicka put UAM in the driver’s seat. They pushed the lead out to seven at 19-12, but the Lady Reddies pushed back again, pulling to within one point at 24-23 before Jedlicka sealed the win off an assist from Melissa Reed.
With the match in their favor, 2-1, the Blossoms wasted no time in the fourth set. They strung together four large rallies, scoring at least four points per server, to put the match away handily, 25-19.
UAM posted a .166 hitting percentage on the night, besting Henderson’s .158. Bailie Jedlicka paced the attack with 15 kills, one assist, and she had one dig. Amy Kleypas also finished in double figures with 13 kills and she added 16 digs on the other side. Amy Bazemore finished with 41 assists, tying her season best against West Georgia back on September 2. Allison Beardsley had the team high in defensive digs with 24.
The win improves the Blossoms to 3-15 on the season and gives the team their first win against a GAC opponent. They will return to Steelman Field House this Thursday as they host the Harding University Bison for another GAC matchup. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
