MONTICELLO, Ark. - The Reddies (9-7, 3-1) traveled to Monticello, Arkansas to face off against the Cotton Blossoms of UAM tonight. The Reddies rallied from a first set loss to win the match 3-1, advancing to 3-1 in GAC play.
Kelis Battles continues to be the main offensive threat for the Reddies, as she led the team in kills with 15.
Calee Carter was right behind Battles, logging 13 kills on the night.
Tyhia Mack is the stalwart contributor, logging 23 assists on the night, with freshman
Mecate Marsh reaching double-digit assists for the second time this season with 11. On the defense,
Berkeley Berry led the backcourt with 28 digs on the night, a career-high. Defensive Player of the Week
Kaylon Partain and Battles both added 20 digs, while Mack and Marsh both reached double-digits as well. At the net,
Cassidi Campbell continues to add to her GAC-leading total, recording two solo blocks, while
Melia Smith and Carter each added two total blocks tonight.
Match Recap
Henderson State battled through a back-and-forth opening stretch before Arkansas-Monticello began to create separation. The Reddies trailed 12-8 midway through the set and later pulled within 14-13, but the Blossoms answered with a 4-1 run to build an 18-14 advantage. Henderson State could not close the gap as Arkansas-Monticello extended its lead late and took the opener 25-18.
The Reddies responded immediately, jumping to an early 3-0 lead and maintaining a narrow advantage through the opening portion of the set. Arkansas-Monticello tied the score at 8-8 before the teams traded points. Henderson State then broke away from a 13-13 tie with a four-point run, taking a 17-13 lead. The Cotton Blossoms trimmed the deficit late, but Henderson State held firm and evened the match with a 25-20 victory.
Henderson State took control early, using a 7-0 run to turn a 3-3 tie into a 10-3 lead. Arkansas-Monticello steadily chipped away, eventually tying the set at 12-12 after nine consecutive points. The Reddies regained the momentum and pushed ahead 15-12, but the Blossoms continued to answer. Henderson State led 23-20 before Arkansas-Monticello pulled within one at 24-23. The Reddies then finished the set on a kill to take a 2-1 match lead, 25-23.
The fourth set remained tight early, with neither team able to establish more than a two-point advantage until Henderson State began to pull away. Leading 9-8, the Reddies scored four straight points to take a 13-8 advantage. Arkansas-Monticello fought back to within 13-10, but Henderson State answered with another strong stretch, extending its lead to 19-11. The Blossoms rallied late and cut the deficit to 23-20, but Henderson State closed the match with the final two points, including a service ace from Berry, to secure the 25-20 win.
Up Next -
The Reddies return to Duke Wells Center on Thursday, September 24th for the first Battle of the Ravine of the season. The Ouachita Baptist Tigers and Henderson State are scheduled to start at 6:30 P.M.
