MAGNOLIA, Ark. - Arkansas-Monticello's Blossom volleyball team traveled to Southern Arkansas University on Thursday evening for their final match of the 2025 season. The final match would see the Blossoms falling to the Muleriders 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-15). The loss tonight dropped the Blossoms to a final record of
3
-24 on the season and 0-16
in GAC play.
Arkansas-Monticello was held to a .129 hitting percentage on 50 digs, 27 assists, 3 blocks, 3 aces, and 29 kills.
SET-BY-SET
FIRST SET (25-14 SAU, SAU leads 1-0)
The opening set began with Arkansas-Monticello behind in the scoreboard, trailing Southern Arkansas 11-6. With three kills, a service ace, and an attack error, the Blossoms were able to cut the deficit to just three points; however, the Muleriders extended their lead with six unanswered points, bringing the set to 20-11. Southern Arkansas scored five more points over the next eight serves to take the first set, 25-14.
SECOND SET (25-18 SAU, SAU leads 2-0)
Set two looked to be similar to the first, as Arkansas-Monticello saw themselves down early, 11-4. The Blossoms rallied back by scoring eight points over the next 11 serves to cut the deficit to just two points, bringing the set to 14-12, in favor of SAU. Unfortunately, the Muleriders were quick to extend their lead with a 4-0 and 3-0 rally of their own, giving them a 21-13 advantage. Southern Arkansas took the second set, 25-18, after an exchange of points back-and-forth, to lead the series 2-0.
THIRD SET (25-15 SAU, SAU wins 3-0)
The third and final set began with Arkansas-Monticello and Southern Arkansas battling for points back-and-forth, tying the set 5-5. The Blossoms claimed the lead with four unanswered points; however, the Muleriders quickly responded with a 7-0 rally to take a three-point advantage, 12-9. Despite the Blossom's efforts to cut SAU's lead, the Muleriders scored five unanswered points to bring the set to 22-13. Southern Arkansas held UAM to just two more points before taking the set, 25-15, and the match, 3-0.
UAM vs. SAU LEADERS
MATCH NOTES
- Final match as a Blossom for seniors; Mia Smalls, Isneydy De La Rosa, Licia Echevarria, and Xaria Pearson.
- This completes the first full season as a assistant coach for Breanna Walp.
- Mia Smalls closes out the season as the only member of the Great American Conference to complete a triple-double, and one of 27 in all of Division II to achieve this feat in the 2025 regular season.
- Smalls also closes out her career as a Blossom ranking Third Overall in All Time Assists with 2,093. Becoming the third setter in program history to reach the 2,000 milestone!
CLOSING SEASON THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH ARLICIA ORTIZ
"I'm really appreciative to the girls, especially our seniors that chose to be with us this season. We saw a lot of sports of growth, which is always something to be proud of. This year didn't end the way anybody had wanted it to and that's pretty disappointing, considering all the pieces that we had. The support and love in Steelman has been felt and has meant the world to me and the girls, so thank you to everyone who showed up and continue to believe in us."
UP NEXT
The Blossoms will return to the court next fall for the 2026 season! We are forever grateful to the fans, faculty, staff, and students for their continued support of UAM Volleyball throughout the entirety of the 2025 season.
Links to both live stream and live stats are available as clickable links on the
2025 UAM Volleyball Schedule at uamports.com.
How to Follow UAM Volleyball
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