Trojans Continue to Force Close Sets, Extra Points in Home Finale

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock's Team is nothing if not consistent. For the 19^th and 20^th time this season, the Trojans have played a set that was decided by two points and for the 12^th time this season, Little Rock required extra points to determine the set. But Saturday's nail-biting action didn't fall Little Rock's way in a 3-0 loss to Arkansas State.
 
Just as consistent was the play of Laura Jansen, who recorded a team-high 16 kills and nearly missed a double-double as she added nine digs. Set scores were 25-13, 27-25 and 25-23.
 
But Arkansas State relied on reigning Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week Madison Brown to put down 20 kills while Tatum Ticknor added 23 digs for the Red Wolves (8-5, 8-5 Sun Belt).
 
Meanwhile the Trojans (1-13, 1-12) allowed unforced errors to plague them with nine service errors and just a .170 hitting percentage.
 
Zanobia Willis led a defensive effort at the net with six blocks while Alyssa Nayar recorded a team-high 24 assists.
 
Little Rock honored Nedima Kamberovic in a pregame Senior Day ceremony. Kamberovic put down five kills and was credited with two blocks in the match.
 
Behind the Box Score

• Nedima Kamberovic led Little Rock in the opening set with three kills.
• The Trojans hit -.081 in the first set compared to A-State's .206.
• That changed in the second set when Little Rock hit .432 to A-State's .436.
• Laura Jansen put down nine kills in the second set alone.
• Noelle Carey served up Little Rock's only ace. That came in the second set.
• Laura Jansen posted six kills and four digs in the third set.
• Janae Thurston posted four digs in the final frame.

 
Leaders by the Numbers
Kills: 16, Laura Jansen
Assists: 24, Alyssa Nayar
Service Aces: 1, Alyssa Nayar
Digs: 13, Noelle Carey
Blocks: 6, Zanobia Willis
 
Notables

• The second and third sets make the 19^th and 20^th times this season, respectively, that the Trojans have had a set decided by two points. Little Rock is 5-15 in those sets.
• The second set marked the 12^th time this year that Little Rock has required extra points to determine a set outcome. The Trojans are 2-10 in those sets.
• Little Rock now trails the all-time series with A-State, 46-21. The Red Wolves have won seven straight in Little Rock.

For the latest information on Little Rock Volleyball, make sure to check out LRTrojans.com. You can also find the team on social media at @LittleRockVB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
 
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