FORT SMITH, Ark. – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball moved to 1-0 in Lone Star Conference play by defeating Lubbock Christian, 25-19, 15-25, 25-15, 25-20 at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center Friday.
The Lions got big performances from the middle of their lineup, as middle blocker Hannah Watkins hit .727 with eight kills while also adding seven blocks. Angelina Hardison added nine kills on a .364 attack percentage with three blocks.
UAFS started fast, hitting .378 in set one. It led 17-8 after the Lions used a 12-4 run to break the set open. LCU rallied within four late before the Lions put the set away.
Lubbock bounced back in a big way in set two by hitting .405, but the Lions quickly responded with a 7-0 run to start set three. The Lions slowly grew the lead as they hit .257 while holding the Chaps to .065.
It was déjà vu in set four, as the Lions raced out to an 8-1 lead after five LCU errors. The Chaps answered with a 6-1 spurt and would later even the set at 13-13. After a back-and-forth few points, UAFS took the lead for good with a 3-0 run and closed the match on a 6-2 run.
Right-side hitter Reagan Macha led the Lions with 13 kills and a .367 attack percentage while outside hitter Caelyn Gunn added 12 kills.
Libero Paola Fragalle had half of her 26 digs in set one to lead the Lions’ back row, with setter Chloe Price, Gunn and outside hitter Nyia Anderson also recording double-digit digs.
Price dished out 41 assists to go with five kills, as well.
UAFS had an 11-5 advantage in blocks and outhit the Chaps, .268-178. Anderson had three of the team’s five assists.
The homestand continues Saturday as the Lions host Eastern New Mexico at 2 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center.
