RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Henderson State Opened GAC Play today with a road trip to face Arkansas Tech. Unfortunately, the Reddies couldn't use a first set win to secure the match win, falling 3-1 to the Golden Suns.
Kelis Battles led Henderson State with 11 kills, while
Lasheena Gooseberry recorded 10.
Tyhia Mack continues to provide the most offensive assistance, as she collected 22 assists, while
Alyssa Lindeman had 15.
Karsen Hart led the defense at the net for the Reddies tonight, recording five total blocks, while
Cassidi Campbell and Gooseberry each contributed four. Battles led the backcourt tonight, collecting a career-high 30 digs, for her eighth double-double of the season, while
Kaylon Partain contributed 29.
Match Recap
The Reddies came out in control in the first set, quickly establishing a lead and forcing Arkansas Tech to play from behind. Henderson State maintained its advantage through the middle portion of the set, taking a 15-11 lead before the Golden Suns attempted to close the gap. The Reddies answered each push and steadily pulled away late, taking the opening set 25-18.
Arkansas Tech responded immediately in the second. The teams stayed even through the early stages before the Golden Suns used a strong run to create separation. Henderson State struggled to regain momentum as Arkansas Tech continued to build its lead, eventually tying the match with another 25-18 set victory.
The third set was the most tightly contested of the night. Arkansas Tech opened with an early advantage, but Henderson State battled back and eventually moved in front. The Reddies appeared poised to take control late, holding an 18-15 lead before the Golden Suns answered. From there, neither team could create much separation. Henderson State fought off set points and repeatedly kept the set alive, but Arkansas Tech eventually broke through to win 31-29 after the teams traded leads late.
Henderson State again seized control early in the fourth set, building a 14-9 advantage and putting itself in position to force a fifth set. The Golden Suns slowly chipped away at the deficit, but the Reddies still held a 19-17 lead late. Henderson State pushed ahead to 22-19, needing only three more points to extend the match. Arkansas Tech, however, produced its biggest rally of the night at the most critical moment. The Golden Suns scored six of the final seven points, turning a 22-19 deficit into a 25-23 victory and completing the comeback.
Up Next –
The Reddies continue the road trip to St. Petersburg, Florida for the Triton/Lion Invite. Their first match against Georgia State & College takes place on September 11th at 2:30 P.M in the McArthur Center.
