MONTICELLO, Ark – University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Volleyball made quick work of UA-Monticello Tuesday evening, sweeping the Blossoms, 25-18, 15-16, 25-17.
The Lions hit .169 for the match, led by middle Aspen Olson with 10 kills and a .350 attack percentage. Outside hitter Breanna Smith tallied eight kills while outside Lydia Pitts had seven.
In set one, the Lions broke a 12-12 tie with a 5-1 run and then used a 5-0 to force set point with an eight-point lead. A UAM service error then gave the Lions the set one win. UAFS held UAM to a negative attack percentage in the set.
With the Lions leading 15-14 in set two, the Lions rattled off a 6-0 run with a pair of aces from defensive specialist Ella Shelby. Shelby finished with four aces on the night. UAFS then scored four of the final five points of the set for a 2-0 advantage.
The Lions faced an early 4-1 deficit in the final set before using a 5-0 burst to take an 8-5 lead. Tied at 12 for the third consecutive set, the Lions once again pulled away with a 9-2 spurt to put the match away.
Defensively, four Lions totaled double figure digs, led by libero Abbey Jackson and Grace Marshall with 15 apiece. Setter Mayli Whetter had 11 digs to go with 26 assists while Shelby added 10 digs. UAFS held the Blossoms to a .029 attack percentage for the match.
Next up the Lions head to Kentucky Wesleyan for four matches, starting with a match at 10 a.m. Friday against the host Panthers.
