PINE BLUFF, ARK. - The University of Arkansas at Monticello volleyball team split their tri-match today at the university of Arkansas - Pine Bluff. The Blossoms played just three sets in the first match, falling to host UAPB, and five sets in the second match defeating the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

UAM moved to 8-16 on the season after splitting its two matches Tuesday.

In their first match of the day UAM was bested in 3 sets by the host school the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff.

The opening set went back and forth with the teams exchanging leads four times and holding ties 12 different times. UAPB managed to have the lead when it mattered to hold on for the first set win 25-21.

In the second set UAM struggled to find some momentum as UAPB jumped to an early 8-1 lead. The Blossoms did their best to battle back as the Lions continued to tack on more points, but could not find the points they needed and eventually lost the set 25-10.

The third set started very similar to the second as UAPB was quick to take a 5-0 lead. The match went on and the blossoms tried to keep up with the lions. UAM went on an 5-2 run as a last effort, but UAPB would score the final point and close out the match 25-14.

Jamie Agnew lead the Blossoms in kills with 6.

Mia Smalls contributed 21 assists in the match.

Defensively, the Blossoms registered double-digit digs with Katelyn Richbourg and Jamie Agnew pacing the team with 11 each.

In the second match of the day UAM battled the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, coming out victorious in five sets.

The Blossoms began the first set dominant as they took an early lead with a 7-0 run. UAM continued to put points on the board, giving themselves a 14-5 lead. UAFS did not go down quietly, fighting back and obtaining multiple 6-0 runs and a 5-0 run to ultimately take retake the lead to win 25-22

The Lions jumped out to the early advantage in the second set holding an 9-4 lead, but a. 5-0 run would put the Blossoms right back in it. The set continued between the two in back-and-forth fashion. In the end, UAM was unable to hold off the Lions, dropping the second set 28-25.

In the third set UAM went out in front again early. This time the Lions could not stop the Blossoms as they stormed past UAFS to take the set 25-13.

Another early advantage for UAFS in the fourth set proved to be just a number as the Blossoms fought back to keep their chances alive, winning the set 26-24 in the end.

In the decisive set the two squads went back and forth until UAM managed to pull away to win the set 15-19 and take the match.

Offensively, Jamie Agnew and Hailey Fike registered double-digit kills with Agnew leading the way with 19, followed by Fike with 12.

Mia Smalls led the team in the assist category again dishing out 41.

On defense, Katelyn Richbourg tallied another 24 digs to lead the team.

UP NEXT

UAM returns home for a GAC matchup with Ouachita Baptist Thursday, Oct. 28. First serve is at 6 p.m.