MONTICELLO, Ark. - UAM Volleyball dropped its 2024 home opener on Tuesday, 3-1, to the University of Arkansas - Pine Bluff Golden Lions, falling to 4-4 on the year.

Senior Mia Smalls surpassed 1,325 career assists and with her 26 on the day. Smalls now ranks in the Top 5 for all-time career assists in Blossom history with 1,334. 

Set one began with a back-and-forth battle between the two teams, seeing the Blossoms eventually take a 7-6 lead. The Lady Lions were quick to gain control of the board and bring the score to 14-13. However, UAM wouldn't back down, retaking the lead to make it 19-17, UAM. It would be a hard-fought battle for both sides of the net, although UAPB proved victorious, taking set one, 25-23.

Looking to take set two, the Blossoms started on the wrong side of the scoreboard, 8-5. The score tied three times before seeing full control of the set at 17-16. The Blossoms, would not look back as they finished the rest of set two on top, finishing with a final score of, 25-20.

The third set looked to be a rematch of set one. The Lady Lions found their rhythm and outscored the Blossoms by a score of 20-15. The Blossoms were not done yet, scoring eight points on 10 serves to take their first lead of the set, 23-22. The Lady Lions forced the Blossoms to play past the needed 25. Tied, 25-25, UAPB found two kills to take set three, 27-25.

Needing to win set four to force a winner-take-all set five, the Blossoms experienced one of the most difficult sets of the season when the Lady Lions took a, 20-7 lead. Not giving up, the Blossoms began their climb back to 14-24. The rally, became fruitless, when a service error from UAM, gave UAPB the winning point, finishing the set, 25-14, and the match 3-1.

Natalie White once again led the Blossoms in kills with 15.

Defensively, the Blossoms combined for 90 digs, and 40 assists, with 26 assists coming from Mia Smalls.

The Blossoms walked away from the match with the most blocks of the night at 12, with Abrielle Jordan recording 5.
 

GAME TWO NOTES

• This was the 22nd meeting between the Blossoms and the Golden Lions - the last match was played in 2023.
• Mia Smalls entered the top 5 for All-time Career assists during set three.

UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to the court Friday, September 20, as they take on William Jewell (Mo.) at 10:00 a.m., followed by a second game against Union University (Tn.) at 4:00 p.m. at Steelman Field House.

Links to both live stream and live stats are available as clickable links on the 2024 UAM Volleyball Schedule at uamports.com.

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