Service Game, Runs Propel Little Rock Past Lamar

BEAUMONT, Texas – Dramatic runs and an aggressive serving game helped Little Rock to a straight-set win over Lamar at the Lamar Invitational Friday evening in Beaumont.
 
Set scores were 26-24, 25-18 and 25-15.
 
It took a dramatic run to ensure the match ended in three sets. Little Rock (5-3) was facing set point, trailing 24-21 in the opening frame before going on a 5-0 run to claim the set. Then the Trojans claimed their second win of the day after ending the match on a 12-2 run, disposing of Lamar (3-6) in the minimum number of frames.
 
Several of the team's runs were ignited by the Little Rock serving game as the Maroon and Silver recorded a season-high nine service aces. That mark was led by Leigh Maher's career-high four service aces while Laura Jansen and Laure Jansen both recorded two aces with Alyssa Nayar recording an ace as well.
 
Laura Jansen recorded her 19^th career double-double, leading the Trojans with 14 kills while Maher posted a match-high 14 digs.
 
Little Rock faces Arkansas-Pine Bluff Saturday at 10 a.m. in the final match of the tournament for both teams.
 
Behind the Box Score

• Despite trailing in blocks in the first set, 6-1, Little Rock used a 5-0 run to clinch the set victory. Zanobia Willis' solo block marked the only block of the set for the Trojans.
• Nedima Kamberovic led all players with five kills in the second set.
• The Trojans hit a match-high .333 in the second frame while Lamar hit .143. That marked the only set in the match that Lamar hit over .100.
• Laura Jansen posted seven of her 14 kills in the final set.
• Eight of the team's nine service aces came in the final set.

 
Leaders by the Numbers
Kills: 14, Laura Jansen
Assists: 34, Alyssa Nayar
Service Aces: 4, Leigh Maher
Digs: 14, Leigh Maher
Blocks: 3, Zanobia Willis
 
Notables

• With the win, Little Rock now pulls even in the all-time series against Lamar, 7-7. The Trojans have now won four straight against the Cardinals in the series.
• Little Rock recorded a season-high 9 service aces in the match and recorded 15 aces on the day in total (including six against Northwestern State).
• The 26-24 win in set one marked the fifth time this season the Trojans have gone to extra points in a set.
• Leigh Maher registered a career-high four service aces. That ties the most service aces by a single player in a match this season.
• Nedima Kamberovic tied a season-high nine kills.
• Laura Jansen recorded 14 kills and 10 digs for her fourth double-double of the season and 19^th of her career.
• Livia Kimura recorded a career-high 12 digs.

 
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.
 
Get the latest Trojan news – including the weekly Trojan Report – delivered to you direct to your inbox by signing up for Little Rock Trojan E-News here.
 
#LittleRocksTeam