ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Henderson State continued with day two of the Bettye Wallace Classic today, but couldn't muster a win, falling 3-1 to UT-Dallas and then 3-1 to Arkansas-Fort Smith.
The Reddies were led once again by Sophomore
Kelis Battles, who collected her third and fourth double-doubles (kills/digs) of the season, while leading all Reddies in 21 kills.
Tyhia Mack continues to be the main force behind the offense as she provided 48 assists. Defensively,
Kaylon Partain continues to lead the Reddies, putting up 55 digs, while
Cassidi Campbell and
Lasheena Gooseberry each added five blocks on the day.
3-1 vs. UT-Dallas
Henderson State fell behind early and struggled to maintain momentum as Texas-Dallas used a strong serving run to build a 14-7 lead. The Reddies battled back within four points at 17-13, but UTD closed the set on an 8-5 run to take it 25-18.
Henderson State responded with its strongest offensive performance of the match, hitting .237 with 15 kills. The Reddies trailed 17-11 before mounting a furious comeback, scoring seven consecutive points to take an 18-17 lead. Henderson State remained composed in a tight finish and earned a 26-24 victory to even the match.
UTD regained control early, jumping out to an 8-3 advantage and extending its lead to 14-7. Henderson State fought back behind kills from Battles, Hart and
Skye Johns, but could not close the gap. Texas-Dallas secured the set 25-18 to move within one set of the victory.
Henderson State battled throughout a back-and-forth fourth set that featured 13 ties. The Reddies took an 18-15 lead after consecutive points from
Berkeley Berry, including an ace, and led 22-17 late. UTD rallied to tie the set at 24-24 before scoring the final two points to win 26-24 and clinch the match.
3-1 vs. Arkansas-Fort Smith (UAFS)
Henderson State took the opening set 25-23, hitting .245 as a team. Gooseberry and Battles helped lead the Reddies' attack, while Henderson State overcame an early deficit to take control late in the set.
Arkansas-Fort Smith responded in the second set, jumping out to an early 3-0 lead and maintaining its advantage throughout. Henderson State pulled within two points at 22-20, but the Lions closed the set 25-20 to even the match.
The third set proved to be the turning point. UAFS scored the first five points and built an early 10-3 advantage. Henderson State trimmed the deficit to 12-7, but the Lions answered with another run and pulled away for a 25-13 victory.
Henderson State battled back in the fourth set, erasing an early 2-0 deficit and taking a 10-9 lead. The Reddies stayed within striking distance at 17-16 before UAFS scored three straight points to take control. Henderson State cut the margin to 23-21, but UAFS closed out the match 25-21.
Up Next –
The Reddies return next week to host the Reddie-Tiger Invitational from Friday September 4th to Saturday September 5th. The Reddies' first match is scheduled for 11:00 A.M against Texas A&M-International in the Duke Wells Center.
