COMMERCE, Texas — Little Rock dropped its season opener Saturday by a 3-1 decision against North Texas in the opening match of the 2025 Lion Invitational, hosted by East Texas A&M. The Trojans return to the court tonight at 7 pm to take on the event host.
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Little Rock (0-1) swept all three matches during this event a year ago, but was unable to finish off close sets early and recover from a slow start in the fourth and final set. North Texas (1-0) took the match by scores of 25-23, 26-24, 19-25, and 25-15.
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A'lanae Margaritha led the Trojans with 12 kills on .391 hitting, while
Bella Cherry and
Crismeyli Rodriguez each hammered down nine kills to pace the Little Rock attack.
Dariana Valencia had a team-high 18 assists, with
Kaylee Smith adding 15. Cherry and
Andrea Roman each had a service ace.
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Defensively,
Jaycee Kennedy led all players with seven blocks, Rodriguez had six, and Margaritha added five. Roman and Valencia had 15 digs apiece, Rodriguez had 11, and Cherry also reached double figures with 10.
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Tonight's match against East Texas A&M will be available on ESPN+.
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