The Prince Center saw another rendition of the I-40 Showdown between the Sugar Bears and the Little Rock Lady Trojans on Sept. 1. The phrase “pack the Prince” came to life as fans from both schools showed up and cheered on their team.
The Sugar Bears started the game strong, opening up a quick 7-2 lead in the first set. The Lady Trojans fought hard to cut into the lead and trailed 15-10 going into the first timeout in the first set.
Coming out of the break, UCA dominated the rest of the first set 25-11 to take a quick 1-0 lead in the game.
Both teams gave their all in the second set, including long sets that had fans on their feet.
The first break in the second set saw the Lady Trojans with a 15-12 lead. UCA made a small comeback, leading to a UALR timeout, but UALR still led 20-18.
Both teams went back and forth on the next few possessions as the ball traveled over the net multiple times.
The Prince Center saw the second set go into doubles and the Lady Trojans previaled with a 26-24 win, tying the game with one point each.
The Sugar Bears started the third set by opening up a quick 4-0 lead. Going into the break in the third set, UCA led 15-14, but not before both teams traded points. For every point the Lady Trojans scored, the Sugar Bears matched the effort, tying the game and taking the lead.
The Prince Center roof wanted to get in on the fun as Little Rock ricocheted the ball off the ceiling as the Sugar Bears trailed with one point away from a 2-1 lead. The Sugar Bears got the last point and took a 2-1 lead — 25 points away from the victory.
The Sugar Bears rallied behind the crowd and won the fourth set, leading to a 3-1 victory over the Lady Trojans.
The Sugar Bears tallied 55 kills with junior outside hitter Lilly Taylor and freshman outside and right-side hitter Gabby Tuiaana leading the team with 13 kills each.
“The I-40 Showdown is a great rivalry with UALR. They always bring their best every time we play them and we try to do the same. I thought that they had an incredible game plan and in the end, it matters with a W,” Coach John Newberry said.
“In the fourth set, we really had to focus more on being more aggressive with a will to win and playing without heart and not just skills. Every touch we had was at a better spot and the will is what did it in the end,” Newberry said.
Senior defensive specialist Lexie Gregory gave credit to the fans who packed the Prince Center and their energy.
“The crowd always gives us so much energy and Little Rock also being close, they had their own fans as well, but being surrounded by everybody that’s on our side makes it so much more memorable. Knowing that every single person is standing up, believing that we can win and that we are going to do well. As soon as we get down, they are able to pick us right back up,” Gregory said.
Sophomore outside hitter Laci Bohannan, who contributed with a kill, also gave credit to the fans in attendance.
“All I have to say is thank you. There is nothing better than coming down to putting a jersey on and Prince is packed, and I think that is so special. The Prince is our home and having fans makes it more fun.”
Bohannan spoke about the team’s competitive fire.
“I kinda get into this game mode where I turn on this different mindset but none of this would have happened without the team. Nothing was gonna stop us tonight,” Bohannan said.
The Sugar Bears’ next game is away at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, against the University of Texas at Arlington. The game is part of the Tulsa Invitational and can be streamed on ESPN+.