Trojans earn split in first day at Denton, fall to North Texas in nightcap

DENTON, Texas — North Texas (5-2) defeated Little Rock (3-5) in straight sets, 25-18, 25-14, 25-17, on Friday night at the North Texas Volleyball Center, giving the Trojans a split during the first day of the UNT-UTA Invitational.
 
Kaylee Smith distributed 12 assists over three games for the Trojans. Isabel Morales led the defensive effort with nine digs. Dariana Valencia contributed seven assists and one service ace. Bella Cherry added five kills and three digs.
 
This was the second meeting between the two teams this season, with North Texas also taking a 3-1 win over the Trojans in the first game of the season during the Lion Invitational, hosted by East Texas A&M.
 
The Trojans will head to Arlington tomorrow for a 5 pm matchup with 7-0 UT Arlington. The Mavericks needed five sets to defeat Northwestern State earlier today, resulting in an hour-long delay of the Little Rock-North Texas match.
 
Little Rock swept Northwestern State in straight sets in the first match of the weekend invitational. Tomorrow's match vs UTA will also be available on ESPN+.