ARKADELPHIA, Ark.  -  After months of anticipation following a 2023 GAC Tournament Championship Game appearance, Henderson State Volleyball made its long-awaited return to court during day one of the Reddie-Tiger Invitational at the Duke Wells Center. The Reddies lived up to the hype by sweeping both Montevallo and McKendree to open the season with a 2-0 record.

In a dominant showing, HSU defeated the Falcons and Bearcats by a combined point margin of 48 points. St. Mary's was the only other team to leave the Duke Wells Center undefeated on Friday night.

Junior Katilyn Steffes recorded 10 kills in the first match against Montevallo, and she nearly reached double digits again with nine kills against McKendree. All told, the Rochester, Minnesota, native had 25 total points across Friday's matches. A major factor in the team's defensive efforts, she also posted 17 digs.

Gaining more momentum as the day went along, Christiane Uzoh finished the second match of the day with 11 kills - a team-high for HSU at this point in the young season. The senior also had two blocks against the Bearcats to bring her daily total to three.

On the note of blocks, Larkin Luke led an impressive front-line effort for Henderson by tallying six total blocks across the Reddies' two matches. Her 13 kills are currently ranked third on the team. 

Consistent throughout the day, Savannah Coats earned six kills in both the first and second match to finish with 12 total.

Senior setter Madison Hatt was effective at setter with 30 combined assists against Montevallo and McKendree. True freshman Braxton Jones supported her at the position by recording at least 10 assists in the first two matches of her collegiate career.

Serving as the team's defensive specialist for most of the action on Friday, Kaylon Partain showed that she is embracing her role as one of the program's youngest leaders. Her 24 digs created valuable opportunities for her teammates in both of the HSU's victories.

On Saturday, Henderson State will start its second day of competition in the Reddie-Tiger Invitational by facing off against fellow unbeaten St. Mary's (2-0) at noon. After battling the Rattlers, the Reddies will wrap up tournament play against Mississippi College (2-0) at 5:30 p.m. Both matches will take place at the Duke Wells Center.