The Henderson State volleyball team got off to a hot start on Tuesday night and rode that momentum to its first Great American Conference win of the season, defeating Arkansas-Monticello 3-0 (25-18, 26-24, 25-18). The win marks the Reddies first 3-0 conference victory since October of 2012 when they beat Northwestern Oklahoma State.

The Reddies were led by freshman Courtney Bolf, who tallied 15 kills and seven digs, and sophomore Sharon Tukuaoga who had nine kills.

Henderson started the match off strong, coming out in game one and quickly opening up a 10-5 lead. The Blossoms did their best to respond, trimming the Reddie lead to 14-12, but after a timeout from head coach Kristee Porter, the Reddies came back re-focused and ran off a 7-2 lead to regain firm control and ultimately take the first set 25-18.

The second set was a tighter contest throughout, as neither team was able to grab more than a three point lead. Trailing 18-15, Henderson used two kills from freshman Courtney Bolf, one from sophomore Sharon Tukuaoga and two Blossom attack errors to piece together a 5-1 run and take the lead 20-19. UAM would not go out without a fight, as the two teams traded the next five points. With the game knotted at 24-24, Bolf came through with two thunderous kills to give the Reddies game two 26-24.

With their backs against the wall, the Blossoms ran out to a 6-2 lead in the third set, forcing a Reddies' timeout. Much like the first game, Henderson would respond after the break. Not to be denied, the Reddies went to work on a 14-5 run, to seize the momentum back and take a 16-11 lead. UAM would never get closer than four points from there on, as Henderson took the third game 25-18 to win the match.

Both freshmen setters had strong nights for the Reddies, as Sariah Boney put up 21 assists and Haley Higgins had 18. Defensively, Sydney Skelton had a game-high 19 digs to steady Henderson's back line.

The Reddies forced 21 Blossom attack errors and a team hitting percentage of .165 in the win.

The Reddies' next game is Thursday at 7 p.m. in Magnolia, Arkansas against Southern Arkansas.