ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Reddies won their first match of the day against Drury University, 3-1. They then finished off the evening by sweeping Pittsburg State 3-0.

The Reddies were strong today offensively, with Katilyn Steffes collecting 29 kills on a .259 attack percentage, while Kelis Battles provided 19 kills. Skylar Holler provided a team leading 39 assists, while Tyhia Mack assisted 35 times. On the defensive side, Henderson remains a dominant force at the net, as Cassidi Campbell recorded 12 blocks, while Katilyn Steffes had 8. Kaylon Partain continues her strong season, recording 31 digs, while Katilyn Steffes led the team with 35.

"Love the day we competed, we are having good touch at the net" said Coach McDaniel "Love the energy and the effort, we just have to keep it going into Conference [games]"

Match Recaps

HSU vs Drury
The first set was contested early, with both teams exchanging the lead until a 4-0 run by the Reddies brought it to 9-6. Berkeley Berry had a service ace to gain the lead, and two kills by Katilyn Steffes brought the score to 12-7. The Reddies continued to put up the pressure as a kill by Savannah Coats forced a Drury timeout. While a kill from Katilyn Steffes brought it to set point, Drury scored two quick points to make the score 24-22 before a Henderson timeout ended their momentum, and an attack error won Henderson the set 25-22.

The second set was a Henderson showcase, as they took a 6-3 lead early off of key blocks by Cassidi Campbell, Savannah Coats and Kelis Battles. Several errors by the Panthers made 10-4, and Drury took a timeout. Drury went on 5-0 run to bring the score to 12-10. The Reddies were able to keep the lead, holding off the Panthers until another error forced the second timeout for Drury. The Reddies were able to capitalize, going on a 5-0 run themselves to hold the lead at set point 24-17. Three quick points by Drury forced a Henderson timeout, but Cassidi Campbell secured the last kill to win the set 25-20.

In the third set, Henderson once again took an early lead 6-3, but a 8-0 run by the Panthers gave them the lead, holding the score at 11-6. The Reddies climbed back off a 4-0 run, bringing the score to 11-10. The Panthers would not let up, however, and even though the Reddies tied it up 21-21, forcing a Drury timeout, the Panthers were able to hold off the Reddies, winning the third set 25-23.

In the final set, the Reddies continued to take an early lead. A flurry of back and forth followed, until Drury was able to take a 11-8 lead. The Reddies used a 4-0 run to take the lead back 13-12, and Drury took a timeout. While they were able to tie it, Henderson pushed ahead 16-13. A 3-0 run to bring the score to 19-18 forced Henderson to take a timeout, but were able to rally, taking the score to 22-20, and Drury took a timeout. Cassidi Campbell and Savannah Coats were able to secure the last few points needed, to secure the match for the Reddies, winning the set 25-21.

HSU vs Pittsburg State
The Reddies took an early lead in the first set, as a kill by Savannah Coats gave them a 4-1 lead. The Gorillas responded with a 4-0 run to take the lead 5-4. The Reddies were able to tie, before another 3-0 run to capture the lead 9-8. The Reddies then went on a blistering 8-0 run, with even a timeout by the Gorillas couldn't stop them, as Berkeley Berry secured two service aces to finish the run with a score 16-9. While the Gorillas fought back, a service ace by Katilyn Steffes forced another Pittsburg timeout. While Pittsburg was able to get the score to 23-18, the Reddies took the set with a kill by Kelis Battles.

The second set started with another early Henderson lead, 4-1. The Reddies continued to put up the pressure, continuing to hold the lead, 8-4 after some errors by Pittsburg. Another 3-0 run by the Reddies gave them a 13-7 lead. The Gorillas responded with a 5-0 run of their own to pull within one, but a kill by Kelis Battles and a block by Savannah Coats and Cassidi Campbell held the Henderson lead 16-13. Pittsburg went on another 5-0 run to take the lead. The two teams traded points until a 6-0 run, and a block by Katilyn Steffes won the Reddies set two, 25-22.

The final set was closer, with the score tied early, 4-4. The Gorillas took the lead off of a 4-0 run, until a kill by Kelis Battles ended the run. Both teams continued to trade scores until two kills by Savannah Coats pulled the Reddies into the lead 13-12. The Reddies did not give up the lead the rest of the set, as Savannah Coats once again supplied a kill to win the set 25-19, and ultimately the match.

Up Next –
The Reddies go on the road to face Harding on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:00 PM at the Rhodes-Reaves Field House.