ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Reddies began the Reddie-Tiger Invitational with a win, defeating Auburn Montgomery 3-0, but lost their second match against Arkansas-Fort Smith, 3-1.

The Reddies had strong offense today, with Katilyn Steffes leading the team with 31 kills, and Kelis Battles following with 33, while Tyhia Mack provided 51 total assists. Defensively, Kaylon Partain continued to be excellent, leading the team with 33 digs, and Katilyn Steffes followed with 29.

"We started out with some nerves, but I like the way we fought through it" Coach Phil McDaniel said of the first match, "we made a couple switches in our line up, and I felt they did really well."

Regarding the matchup against Arkansas-Fort Smith, McDaniel had this to say: "Tough loss, we did some really good things toward the end of that match, and just didn't put enough key points together, but we'll be back with it tomorrow."

Match Recaps

HSU vs. AUM
The first set got off to an intense start, with both teams exchanging points before Henderson took a 3-1 lead. The back and forth continued well into the set, until the Warhawks were able to take a lead 12-8. Auburn Montgomery held the lead 18-11 until a rapid 7-0 run led by 3 kills by Katilyn Steffes tied it up 18-18. Both teams traded points back and forth until a block by Savannah Coats brought it to set point for the Reddies. The Warhawks would not be counted out however, and brought it quickly to extra points, the Reddies were able to bring it to set point three times, before ultimately winning the first set 29-27.

The second set was another back-and-forth affair early, until the Reddies went on a quick run to hold the lead 6-3. The Warhawks responded with a 3-0 run of their own to pull within one and eventually tied it 8-8. Both teams exchanged points, until a kill by Katilyn Steffes brought the score to 21-18, and Auburn took a time out. The Reddies were able to continue momentum going to set point 24-21, and Auburn took another timeout. While the Warhawks attempted a comeback, Kelis Battles finished the set with a kill to win the second set 25-21.

In the final set, Henderson maintained the momentum, taking an early lead and did not concede the lead the entire set. While the Warhawks attempted to stay in it, pulling within a point when it was 21-20, the Reddies, with a key performance by Savannah Coats and Cassidi Campbell, were able to hold them off, winning the match 25-21.

HSU vs. UAFS
The first set got off to a quick start for Henderson, taking a 2-0 lead, but UAFS came back, taking the lead 5-3. The Lions would not concede the lead, and even though an ace by Katilyn Steffes forced a UAFS timeout, the Lions captured the first set 25-19.

The second set was much slower for the Reddies, with UAFS taking a 4-1 lead early. While the Reddies attempted to catch up, the Lions kept up the pressure holding the lead 14-6. Henderson responded with a 4-0 run to force a UAFS timeout, but a 4-0 response by the Lions kept the Reddies at bay, eventually winning the second set 25-18.

The third set was the Reddies to lose, and they knew it, taking a 2-1 lead, before a 5-0 run by the Lions forced a Henderson timeout. The Reddies were able to rally and 7-2 run brought the score to 17-14, but a 3-0 run by UAFS tied it 17-17. Rallying behind Katilyn Steffes and a service ace by Berkeley Berry, the Reddies were able to keep the score tied 21-21. After a Henderson timeout, the Reddies were able to make the final push, winning the set 25-22.

In the final set, UAFS took the lead early, but a quick 5-0 run forced the Lion's timeout. The score stayed tight, with five lead changes, ending with the score 17-17. The Lion's kept their momentum, pulling ahead 23-20, Katilyn Steffes supplied three kills to a 4-0 run to tie it 24-24. UAFS was able to hold Henderson off and claim the match 26-24.
 
Up Next –
The Reddies face Mississippi College tomorrow Sept. 13 at 9:00 AM for the first of two games on the second day of the Reddie-Tiger Challenge.