MONTICELLO, Ark. - UAM Volleyball (4-7, 0-1) completed its first Great American Conference match of the year against Arkansas Tech University at home inside Steelman Fieldhouse on Tuesday Evening. The Blossoms came up short in the contest, dropping the match 3-2 (18-25, 25-23, 26-24, 24-26, 15-11) to the Golden Suns.

Set one was evenly matched, with the Golden Suns having a slight edge over the Blossoms, 12-10. UAM was able to score one to make it, 11-12, but Tech would quickly respond with a 5-0 run to increase the lead to 17-11 in their favor. The Blossoms began to rally, only allowing the Golden Suns two points on seven serves, clawing back to a 19-16 game. Another 4-0 for Tech, led to an eventual 18-24 score. A kill from the Golden Suns, gave them set one, 25-18, and match point 1-0.

Set two proved to be the most competitive set of the night. After beginning in Arkansas-Monticello's favor early at 3-1, the Golden Suns earned four unanswered points to take the lead, 5-3. UAM responded with a 4-0 run themselves to make the set 11-10 in its favor. Each side of the net took full advantage of kills and attack errors to make the score, 19-18 Tech. Following another, 4-0 run, 22-19, from the Blossoms, they managed to hold the Golden Suns, winning set two, 25-23, tying the match 1-1.

The third set began with a strong start from Arkansas Tech, seeing them lead 8-11. In a back-and-forth battle on points, UAM brought the set within two at 14-16, but couldn't manage to shut down the defense of the Golden Suns. ATU would score three before allowing the Blossoms to earn five points on seven serves, bringing the game to within one again, 19-20. Only allowing for more points for Tech on 11 serves, UAM would take the set, 26-24, and lead in the match 2-1.

Needing to win set four for the first home conference win of the 2024 campaign, the Blossoms looked set to do so when they took a commanding 7-2 advantage on the scoreboard. The Golden Suns, however, would not fade quietly, bringing the score to within two at 13-11. Five kills from Arkansas Tech on six serves would allow them to take the lead, 14-16. The Blossoms looking to win, outscored the Golden Suns, 11-4, bringing the set to, 24-20. ATU would take set, 26-24, after scoring six unanswered points off UAM, tying the match 2-2, forcing a winner-take-all set five.

The fifth and final set started tied, 4-4. The Blossoms saw a brief 6-5 lead, but after four service aces, a kill, and a bad set from UAM, Tech controlled the set, 6-11. Arkansas-Monticello began to rally, however a final kill from the Golden Suns would end the set 11-15, in favor of Arkansas Tech, ending the match 3-2. 

The Blossoms would lead with a match-high 10 blocks, seeing Abrielle Jordan, Kerrigan Briggs, and Natalie White all recording 4. 

Setter Mia Smalls led UAM in assists with 25, Jordan Wehr followed with 19 of her own.

Junior Licia Echevarria would lead Arkansas-Monticello for the night on digs with 17, followed by Holiday Ellis with 14.  

GAME NOTES

• This was the 42nd meeting between the Golden Suns and the Blossoms, UAM won the last match, 3-1, in Monticello.
• This was the first Great American Conference match for Head Coach Arlicia Ortiz. 

FROM HEAD COACH ARLICIA ORTIZ

"I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a disappointing one. Losses like that one sting. We did a whole lot of good stuff, but genuinely I think we surprised ourselves. Going to Ouachita I hope we move forward confidently & with something to fight for. We have to fight for pride. We have to fight for honor. We're too good of a team not to."


UP NEXT
The Blossoms return to the court on Thursday, Sept. 26 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to take on the Tigers of Ouachita Baptist University. The first serve is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. inside the Sturgis Physical Education Center.  

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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