Volleyball falls to UCA in Thursday's home opener

Little Rock opened its home schedule Thursday against in-state rival Central Arkansas, a team the Trojans beat in straight sets back on opening weekend. However, the Sugar Bears evened the score at the Jack Stephens Center, sweeping the hosts 3-0 in front of an energetic home crowd. The match was part of the Governor's I-40 Showdown.
 
UCA (2-8) stopped an eight-game slide, topping Little Rock (5-6) by scores of 26-24, 25-23, and 25-16. For the Trojans, they'll have little time to reflect on the outcome as they head to Conway tomorrow for a 1 pm matchup with Jackson State as part of the UCA Invitational. The weekend will conclude Saturday with 12:30 pm contest against North Alabama.
 
Little Rock struggled to find its timing Thursday, hitting just .115 for the match while the visiting Sugar Bears attacked to the tune of .271 percent. Jeila Fullerton led the Trojan attack with 9 kills, A'lanae Margaritha added 8, while Kaila Harris and Sophia Garrido each had 7. Kaylee Smith had a team-high 17 assists, Dariana Valencia added 12, and Margaritha served up three aces.
 
Defensively, Fullerton and Andrea Roman each had 17 digs, Rylee McClintock had 10 digs, Margaritha had a team-high four blocks and Bella Cherry added a pair. The contest included 21 ties and nine lead changes.