ARKADELPHIA, Ark. — Henderson State hosted the Tigers of East Central University today for the final match of the week. The Reddies were able to hold off a comeback by the Tigers and won the match in five sets 3-2.
The Reddies (11-10, 5-4) were led tonight by
Kelis Battles who collected a 22 kill, 23 dig double-double tonight, while
Lasheena Gooseberry added on 14.
Tyhia Mack led with 32 assists and
Alyssa Lindeman had 15. Defensively,
Kaylon Partain set a new career-high with 48 digs on the night and
Berkeley Berry added 20 digs.
Cassidi Campbell logged six blocks on the night, including four solo, while
Karsen Hart added three blocks and two service aces.
Match Recap
Henderson State weathered an early challenge before taking control of the opening set. The teams traded points through the opening stretch, with the score tied at 4-4 and again at 7-7. The Reddies began to separate after the score was tied at 9. Hart helped fuel a sustained run with two aces, while East Central struggled to find the floor with several attack errors. Henderson State turned the 9-9 tie into a commanding 15-9 advantage. East Central managed to stop the run, but Henderson State maintained its cushion and closed out the set 25-16.
The second set was much tighter, with East Central responding and forcing Henderson State to earn every point. The teams exchanged runs throughout the frame, and neither side was able to establish a comfortable advantage as the score moved into the closing points. The set went into extra points, and Battles finished a key point off an assist from Lindeman, and an East Central setting error helped Henderson State close out a 27-25 win and take a 2-0 lead in the match.
East Central responded in the third set, using a more consistent attack to put pressure on the Reddies and extend the match. Henderson State stayed within reach through much of the set. The Reddie offense scored well, but East Central limited its mistakes and found ways to answer Henderson State's scoring bursts. The teams remained competitive into the middle stages before East Central created separation late. East Central took the set 25-21.
The fourth set proved to be the most dramatic of the match, as Henderson State and East Central traded points deep into extra play. East Central gained an early edge, but the Reddies worked their way back into the set behind Battles and
Shiloh Jones. Henderson State erased the deficit and pushed the score to 15-15 before the teams continued exchanging points. Jones delivered consecutive kills during an important stretch, helping the Reddies move ahead and put pressure on East Central. The teams remained deadlocked late, trading points through ties at 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. East Central, however, answered with a late point and then secured the final two points to win 31-29, forcing a fifth set.
With the match on the line, East Central kept the score close early, but the Reddies began to take control. Battles led the charge with back-to-back kills to help Henderson State establish momentum. The Reddies added points through Mack and
Calee Carter. East Central attempted to rally late, but Henderson State maintained its advantage. Ultimately, Battles finished the match with a final kill off an assist from Mack, sealing the 15-11 set win and the 3-2 match victory.
Up Next -
Henderson State set off on a two-match road trip with their first stop in Shawnee, Oklahoma to face off against #24 Oklahoma Baptist. The match is scheduled to begin at 4:00 P.M in the Noble Complex.
