News Summary

The University of North Alabama volleyball team lost to Central Arkansas with a final score of 3-1 during an ASUN matchup. Despite a strong performance in the third set, UNA struggled to maintain momentum against a dominant Central Arkansas team. Key players like Kendall Barnes and Nicole Sargent stood out for UNA, but the team must regroup as they prepare for their next match against Jacksonville.

Central Arkansas Defeats UNA Volleyball Team in ASUN Matchup

In a highly anticipated match on October 1, 2025, the University of North Alabama (UNA) volleyball team fell to Central Arkansas, with a final score of 3-1. This contest was part of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) and involved two teams that entered the match with unbeaten records in conference play.

With the loss, UNA’s record in the ASUN dropped to 2-1, while Central Arkansas improved to 3-0, solidifying their top position in the conference standings. The match showcased a competitive spirit with both teams previously holding a 2-0 ASUN record prior to their clash.

Match Breakdown

The match began with Central Arkansas quickly taking control, winning the first set 25-17, aided by a remarkable hitting percentage of .517. UNA displayed a strong offensive performance but could not keep pace, achieving a hitting percentage of .367 in the opening set.

In the second set, the close competition continued, featuring nine ties and three lead changes. Despite UNA’s efforts to rally back, Central Arkansas managed to pull ahead at the end, winning the set 25-23.

UNA regrouped in the third set, putting in a solid performance that saw them holding Central Arkansas to a hitting percentage of .000 while they tallied a .323 attack. UNA secured the set with a score of 25-18, keeping their hopes alive in the match.

However, Central Arkansas swiftly regained their momentum in the fourth set, clinching it with a score of 25-16, ultimately sealing the match with a 3-1 victory.

Player Highlights

Despite the loss, several UNA players shined on the court. Kendall Barnes led the team with a total of 16 kills, showcasing her offensive capabilities throughout the match. Dylann Garner and Nicole Sargent also made significant contributions, with Garner notching 11 kills and Sargent achieving a remarkable hitting percentage of .750, along with nine kills.

Kinslee McGowan stood out as the setting leader, recording 37 assists during the game. Additionally, Ava Martindale and Olivia Fenoff each contributed two service aces to the team’s efforts. Defensively, Nicole Sargent tied for the match high with two blocks, while Jessi Ritchhart added eight digs to her performance.

Upcoming Schedule

Following this match, the UNA volleyball team will look to bounce back as they continue their season with a match against Jacksonville, set for October 4, 2025, at noon central time. Currently, North Alabama holds an overall record of 8-8.

Conclusion

The UNA volleyball team’s loss to Central Arkansas serves as an important moment in their ASUN campaign. With several standout performances, the team will aim to learn from this experience and regroup as they move forward in their season.

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Additional Resources

• Central Arkansas Defeats UNA Volleyball Team
• Wikipedia: Volleyball
• UCA Volleyball Hosts North Alabama
• Google Search: North Alabama Volleyball
• UNA Volleyball Dominates Lipscomb
• Google Scholar: Volleyball Performance
• Jacksonville Hosts North Florida
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
• UNA Players Win ASUN Weekly Awards
• Google News: ASUN Volleyball

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

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