FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Youth was evident in Little Rock's season debut as the Trojans dropped the season opener, 3-0, to Montana State in the first match of the Arkansas Classic at Barnhill Arena in Fayetteville Friday morning.
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Little Rock (0-1) struggled to find its footing early but the improvement on the court was evident as the match progressed. The third set saw the highest hitting percentage for the Trojans, the most kills, fewest errors and Little Rock's lone service ace.
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Montana State 3, Little Rock 0 | 25-11, 25-11, 25-21 | Box Score | PDF | Photo Gallery
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Behind the Box Score
- Laura Jansen's ace gave Little Rock a 13-12 lead in the third set, the team's first lead of the match.
- Following the ace, Montana State registered an attack error, extending Little Rock's run to six straight points, it's longest run of the match.
- In all, the third set witnessed eight ties and four lead changes.
- While Montana State led in most statistical categories, the Trojans were nearly equal with 53 digs compared to MSU's 54 digs.
- Nedima Kamberovic's .385 hitting percentage (5-0-13) was the highest mark for any player on either team.
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Leaders by the Numbers
- Thurston: 7 kills
- Kamberovic: .385 hitting percentage (5-0-13)
- Nayar: 15 assists
- Giordani: 16 digs
- Jansen: 1 service ace
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Notables
- Laura Jansen recorded a career-high 13 digs in the match.
- With her 16 digs, Diana Giordani has recorded double-digit digs in eight consecutive matches dating back to last season.
- Jansen's service ace in the third set marked her first career ace.
- Janae Thurston led the Trojans in kills (7) in her first collegiate appearance.
- Thurston, Nedima Kamberovic, Laura Jansen and Anna Hurlburt all notched a block assist.
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Up Next
Little Rock faces host Arkansas at 7 p.m. It marks the first time the two teams will have met in the regular season and the second meeting between the two schools all-time.
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For the latest information on Little Rock Volleyball, make sure to check out
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