SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Arkansas Tech true freshman setter
Kenzie Garrett recorded the first double-double of her career on Tuesday night in Tech's final non-conference match of the season at Drury. In the match, Garrett had 20 assists and 10 digs. The Golden Suns, however, ultimately lost the match 3-1.
After dropping the first set, 25-17, the Golden Suns bounced back in the second set and won that set 25-23 to even the match at a set apiece.
In the third set, the Golden Suns grabbed an early lead and held it until the midway point when the Panthers tied the score at 14-all. After that, however, the Golden Suns ripped off a 6-0 run to break the tie and go up 20-14. Unfortunately, the Panthers had an even bigger answer and rattled off nine-straight points to swing the lead in their favor, 23-20. That also proved to be enough of a gap needed for the Panthers to close out the set and take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Unfortunately for the Golden Suns, the momentum gained by the Panthers late in the third set carried over into set four as Drury scored the first five points of that set as well to establish control early. The Golden Suns were able to find their footing and get within two points at 8-6, but the Panthers staved off any true threat of their lead and ended up coasting to a 25-13 win in the set to put the finishing touches on the match.
Statistically, the Golden Suns were led by
Henley Hooks and her 11 kills. Garrett's aforementioned 20 assists led the team and her 10 digs were third behind
Jamie Myrick's 21 and
Savannah Meyer's 11.
The Golden Suns will now prepare for their penultimate home match of the season on Thursday as they host upstart Southern Arkansas. First-serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. from inside Tucker Coliseum.
