Box Score (HTML)

MONTICELLO – University of Arkansas at Monticello sophomore Kedra Johnson posted the second-highest single-match hitting percentage in school history to lead the Blossoms to a three-set Great American Conference victory over East Central on Friday night at home.

Johnson finished the match with 12 kills and zero errors on 17 total swings for a .706 hitting percentage. It is just the second time in school history for an individual to eclipse the .700 mark in percentage. Nicole Ferguson holds the record with a .786 percentage posted against Texas Southern in 2006.

The North Little Rock, Arkansas native also turned in three total blocks for a match high of 13.5 points.

The Blossoms (5-5, 2-2 GAC) beat the Tigers (3-12, 0-4 GAC) by scores of 25-20, 25-21 and 25-18. UAM turned in a total of 38 kills and 17 errors on 120 swings for a .175 team percentage. ECU had 33 kills and 26 errors on 123 swings for a .057 percentage.

After swapping six lead changes in the first two sets, the Blossoms put the match away in the third and final set, holding the lead throughout the frame after a 4-0 start on the serve of junior Lani Kaiwi. The Tigers never led in the first two sets after UAM reached 10 points. The Blossoms held their largest lead at 21-11 in the second set.

In addition to Johnson's career-night, senior Jessica Cuba added seven kills and a match-high 14 digs, senior Tasha Evans had five kills and four total blocks and junior Sydni Schulz had five kills and three total blocks.

Junior Kaila Kikugawa posted her fifth double-double of the season with 16 assists and 10 digs. Sophomore Brittney Beckham led the team in assists with 17.

Madyson Gill led the Tigers with 10 kills. Mackenzie Davis added seven kills in the loss.

The Blossoms are back in action on Saturday against Southeastern Oklahoma State at home. First serve is set for noon inside Steelman Field House. Admission is free. Live stats and live video will be available at www.uamsports.com/coverage.aspx.