TULSA, Okla. — Little Rock swept one match and pushed the host team to the limit in the finale to earn a Saturday split and return home winning two of three during the Tulsa Invitational at the Donald W. Reynolds Center.
The Trojans (5-7) swept Oral Roberts (1-10) in straight sets with scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-15, and went blow for blow with a strong Tulsa (10-2) squad, falling by scores of 25-23, 25-22, and 25-23. Outside hitters
Bella Cherry and
Crismeyli Rodriguez were named to the All-Tournament Team.
Little Rock 3, Oral Roberts 0
The Trojans hit .223 during the match against ORU, led by Cherry with 10 kills.
Sophia Garrido had eight kills and three blocks, Rodriguez finished with 10 digs and eight kills, and
Dariana Valencia had 20 assists and a pair of aces.
Avery Fearnley added four blocks, three kills, and two aces, while
Kaylee Smith finished with 14 assists.
Tulsa 3, Little Rock 0
The Trojans turned in one of their best hitting performances of the year (.289) in an explosive offensive showdown.
A'lanae Margaritha hit .556 while putting down 12 kills and Cherry posted a .379 mark with 13 kills to go with 10 digs. Rodriguez (11 digs, 9 kills), Valencia (24 assists), Smith (15 assists), and
Andrea Roman (12 digs) were key contributors.
Jaycee Kennedy had a game-high five blocks.
Little Rock will have the week off before opening its Ohio Valley Conference schedule at home Saturday against SEMO. The match is scheduled for 2 pm at the Jack Stephens Center and will be available on ESPN+.
