Little Rock set to open season Friday at Lion Invitational

LITTLE ROCK — The 2024 volleyball season will hit the ground running this weekend as Little Rock plays three matches in two days when they compete in the Lion Invitational, hosted by Texas A&M-Commerce. The Trojans will face the host team Friday at 1 pm, then turn around and take on Tarleton State at 4 pm to finish the doubleheader. On Saturday, Little Rock will meet in-state rival Central Arkansas at 11 am to conclude the two-day event.
 
LION INVITATIONAL – TOURNAMENT CENTRAL
 
MATCH HISTORY
Little Rock will be facing both A&M-Commerce and Tarleton State for the first time this weekend. They will meet UCA for the 14^th time, with the Sugar Bears leading the all-time series, 8-5. Little Rock has dropped its last four against UCA, including a 3-1 decision in Conway last season.
 
LIVE VIDEO / LIVE STATS
The Trojans contest against host A&M-Commerce will be available to stream live on ESPN+. The other matches will be available for free viewing on the Lion Athletics YouTube page. Live stats for all matches will be available by visiting http://trojanstats.com.
 
SCOUTING REPORT
The Lions were just 9-23 last season and ended the year on a 10-game losing streak. However, their roster will look very different with nine new faces suiting up in 2024. Tarleton finished 16-15 last season and returns an All-WAC middle blocker in Emma Burke. UCA finished 8-20 a year ago, including just 2-14 in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
 
FIRST GLANCE AT THE TROJANS
Little Rock swept four sets from Ouachita Baptist last Friday in an exhibition at the Jack Stephens Center, hitting an impressive .250 for the night with 59 kills to just 19 errors. Bella Cherry (15 kills), Jeila Fullerton (14 kills, 11 digs), and Kaila Harris (13 kills, five aces) led the way offensively. Jaycee Kennedy had four blocks, A'lanae Margaritha added a pair of blocks, and Andrea Roman had a team-high 24 digs. Dariana Valencia had 31 assists.