RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas Tech volleyball picked up two non-conference wins on Tuesday, as the Golden Suns hosted Philander Smith and Williams Baptist in a tri-match in Tucker Coliseum.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED: PHILANDER SMITH vs. ARKANSAS TECH

• Tech (12-7) opened the day with a three-set victory over Philander Smith, winning the sets 25-10, 25-15 and 25-9.
• The Golden Suns held the Lady Panthers to a negative attack percentage in the first set, as Philander Smith had just four kills and eight errors.
• In the second set, Arkansas Tech recorded a match-high 14 kills and just three errors to hit .423. Kimberly Huff led the way with four kills in the game.
• Tech's best defense came in the final set, as Philander Smith hit -.259 with 13 errors. The Golden Suns had just eight kills but committed only one hitting error to post a .438 attack percentage.

 
HOW IT HAPPENED: WILLIAMS BAPTIST vs. ARKANSAS TECH

• In the final match of the afternoon, the Golden Suns defeated Williams Baptist 25-16, 25-22, 25-15.
• Amanda Milnick's five kills in the first set led Tech offensively, while the Golden Suns' defense held the Lady Eagles to hit just .056.
• The second set featured seven ties and three lead changes, but a 4-1 run to end the game gave the Golden Suns a two-set advantage.
• Tech hit a match-high .267 in the third set while holding the Lady Eagles to hit .000 with six kills and six errors.
• Tech hit .241 for the match, compared to Williams Baptist's attack percentage of just .065.

 
NOTABLES

• In the win over Philander Smith, Tech posted a season-high attack percentage of .400.
• The Golden Suns have limited their past seven opponents to hit under .200 for the match, including three matches in which opponents hit less than .100.
• Haley Owen led Arkansas Tech with nine kills in the first match, while Huff picked up a career-high 10 kills in the second win.
• Milnick finished the day with 35 assists, followed by Sarah Rosinke with 24. Madison Nagel added 30 digs combined over the two matches.

 
COACH BAYER SAYS

• "I thought today was a great opportunity to get different players some game experience. I thought they really stepped up and performed well. Meredith Darnell did an excellent job, defensively, and in serve-receive."
• The wins were a good confidence builder as we face two strong GAC opponents this weekend."

NEXT UP

• The Golden Suns return to action on Friday, Oct. 7, as Tech hosts Southeastern Oklahoma State in Tucker Coliseum. The Great American Conference match is scheduled for 6 p.m.