MAGNOLIA, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech volleyball team played their first road Great American Conference match of the season on Tuesday night at Southern Arkansas and after falling behind 2-0 in the match, the Golden Suns fought hard and nearly forced a decisive fifth set.
"Tough one tonight, no doubt about it," noted head coach
Kera Coleman. "SAU created a loud, intense environment and we weren't able to shake the first two dropped sets."
In that opening set, SAU was able to take an early three-point lead, 5-2, and then created even more separation a few moments later with a 10-3 lead. The Golden Suns were able to stabilize from there and pulled within two points, 12-10, but that would be as close as they could get in the opening set.
Tech would mount one more comeback effort in the set trailing 23-17 by scoring three-straight points, but SAU was able to score the next two points to put away the set.
The second set was different from the outset as it was Tech who had the early control. At one point, the Golden Suns had built a five-point lead, 13-8, but a 7-1 scoring run by the Muleriders flipped the lead in their favor.
With the score tied 15-all in the second set, SAU would go on another significant scoring run moments later with five-straight to take a 20-15 lead. Tech was able to answer back with four of the next five points themselves close within two points. SAU, however, was able to close out the set with four of the final five points of the set.
"This one hurt, but we can see the relentlessness in this team, and I know we're going to learn from it and rebound" added Coleman. "We've got several new faces getting some major playing time and what we ask is that they continue to embrace the competition and show up for each other."
The resiliency alluded to by Coleman showed throughout the third set as Tech faced a sweep.
Trailing by a point, 11-10, the Golden Suns scored seven-straight points to take control of the set with a six-point lead, 17-11. SAU showed resolve of their own with four-straight points to pull within two points of the Tech lead. Later, the Tech lead was down to just a point, 20-19, but the Golden Suns were able to keep their lead and eventually closed out the set, 25-20.
Set four was closely-contested early before the Golden Suns were able to gain control with a five-point lead, 13-8. Later the lead was 15-11, but a 4-0 burst by SAU tied the set at 15-all. Tech would not relinquish the lead and were the first to 20 and held a 22-19 lead at one point.
Playing with boisterous home crowd behind them, SAU was able to use that energy and will themselves to score six of the next seven points to come-from-behind and win the set and secure the match 3-1.
Statistically, the Golden Suns had two players with double-digit kills with
Kaitlyn Neal leading the way with 13. Freshman middle blocker
Lauren Grier had 12 kills and just one error. Grier also added 5.0 blocks.
Gracie Palmer and
Kenzie Garrett split setter duties with Palmer registering 22 and Garrett 16.
A trio of players had double-digit digs on the night and were led by
Jamie Myrick's 15.
Henley Hooks had 14 while Palmer added 12 to register a double-double (assists-digs).
The Golden Suns will be looking for a home court atmosphere like that in their upcoming match this Thursday as they host Henderson State starting at 6 p.m.
"We need everyone to show their support Thursday night in Tucker Coliseum as we host HSU at 6PM!"
