Other Sports
North Alabama Downs UCA in Five Sets of Crucial Match
Sugar Bears start strong, but can’t hold on and fall behind strong offensive attack from the Lions
Florence, Ala. — It took five sets, but North Alabama handed Central Arkansas its second conference loss of the season Wednesday night. The stakes were high in this one, though.
After a tightly contested battle, the Lions emerged victorious in five sets, handing UCA its second conference loss of the season.
The Sugar Bears came out strong, taking the first two sets 25-17 and 25-23. However, North Alabama rallied back, winning the third set 26-24, and then dominated the fourth set 25-15.
The final set saw the Lions edge out UCA with a 15-8 score, securing the 3-2 win in front of a spirited home crowd of 432 fans.
Jasmine Brooks led North Alabama’s offense with a standout performance, registering an impressive 35 kills on a .457 hitting percentage. Reese Ricketts also contributed significantly, adding 18 kills and 8 digs.
Setter Kinslee McGowan tallied 55 assists, orchestrating the Lions’ attack and keeping UCA on their toes throughout the match.
For the Sugar Bears, Laci Bohannan recorded a team-high 18 kills and 14 digs, while Mackenzie Vernon added 15 kills. Caylan Koons dished out 52 assists, setting up UCA’s offensive efforts.
But the Sugar Bears struggled with consistency, posting a .172 hitting percentage compared to North Alabama’s .204.
Both teams displayed resilience, with 35 tie scores and 18 lead changes throughout the match. Ultimately, North Alabama’s efficiency in the final set and Brooks’ commanding performance propelled the Lions to victory, tightening the ASUN standings.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story
| Sat, Aug 31 |  | @ Arkansas State | L, 34-31 |
| Sat, Sep 7 |  | @ Lindenwood | W, 34-13 |
| Sat, Sep 14 |  | Austin Peay | W, 45-17 |
| Sat, Sep 21 |  | @ Arkansas-Pine Bluff | W, 56-17 |
| Sat, Sep 28 |  | vs Lamar | W, 34-14 |
| Sat, Oct 5 |  | @ Abilene Christian | L, 41-34 |
| Sat, Oct 12 |  | vs West Georgia | W, 34-33 |
| Sat, Oct 26 |  | vs North Alabama | W, 24-19 |
| Sat, Nov 2 |  | @ Utah Tech | L, 34-21 |
| Sat, Nov 9 |  | @ Eastern Kentucky | L, 31-24 |
| Sat, Nov 16 |  | vs Southern Utah | L, 38-31 |
| Sat, Nov 30 |  | @Tarleton State | 2:00 PM |
